UKON at The Dragon Festival, Trinidad and Tobago

UKON was honoured to attend The Dragon Festival in Trinidad and Tobago, a deeply rooted cultural celebration that takes place directly after the Kanboulay Reenactment event. This festival stands as a living archive of history, creativity and resistance, where Carnival becomes a space for memory, meaning and collective expression.

At the heart of Dragon Mas, the Dragon character is more than a spectacle. It represents the ongoing struggle between good and bad, fairness and injustice, reminding us that masquerade has long been a way for communities to explore moral balance, challenge wrongdoing and imagine a more just world through performance and story.

We were thrilled to witness traditional Carnival characters linked to Dragon Mas performing with such power and presence. From the commanding Bookman character to the fearless Blue Devils, and the elegance and satire of the Fancy Sailor, each performance honoured generations of masqueraders who have carried these narratives forward.

This year felt especially meaningful as the event was supported through sponsorship. It was wonderful to see this level of backing for the preservation of storytelling, masquerade and cultural history. Support like this ensures that these vital traditions continue to be shared, protected and passed on to future generations

UKON is proud to see culture bearers, artists and communities keeping these stories alive. Long live Dragon Mas, long live Carnival heritage, and long live the power of storytelling through mas.