The Scarlet Ibis Carnival Band is a tribute to the amazing colour, rhythm and heat embodied by the carnival traditions of the Caribbean Islands of Trinidad and Tobago. This roving installation was originally made for the Polka Dot Dragon Lantern Festival Parade in a series of workshops in collaboration with the local Trinbagonian community in Nelson, BC.
The scarlet ibis, which is the national bird of Trinidad, is actually born brown, eventually taking on its brilliant hue from the scarlet-coloured crustaceans that make up its diet. Scarlet ibis live together in enormous, gregarious flocks, and can be seen flying to and from nearby Venezuela to feed, no visa needed. They return to roost every evening in the protective mangrove forests of the Caroni Swamp in Trinidad.
Tonight, our very own flock of Scarlet Ibis will delight you with their beautiful plumage, bright spirits, and joyful revelry as they stroll through the streets of Revelstoke accompanied by live musicians playing soca inspired rhythms.