Cady and I had intended to offer you (BOLD readers) a recap of Carnival, but since we weren't actually there, we didn't think it was appropriate for us to do it alone. Simply put, it just didn't feel right. Then, we remembered our kind and vivacious BOLD agent and friend, Jessie Romelli. Who is better than someone who participated in the procession to give us a summary of Carnival? We sat down with Jessie right away, and Cady questioned her as I took notes.
So, Jessie, tell us a little about what Carnival means to you.
When I stop to think about it, Carnival actually represents freedom and being oneself, you know? I'm quite happy but, ESPECIALLY at this time of year. It's the moment when the audience finally sees all the effort I put into my costume, too.
Now that you mention it, what's the prepping process like for you?
It takes a lot of work, I have been preparing for weeks as you know, putting all my gemstones to my custom to showcase who I am. But I have to be honest with you, if you're not in that stress, spending sleepless nights, waking up at 3 am in the morning, just being in that rush of Carnival... then you haven't fully emerged yourself in the essence of what Carnival actually is.
What's your favorite thing about Carnival?
After all that effort that I just described, my favorite thing has to be being in the parade (or as we like to say "Den dje!"). It's as if you had been holding in a deep breath the entire time leading up to it; then you sigh and think "at last... I made it to this moment". Once you arrive there, all the sleepless nights and exhaustion that accompanied it, vanish. My favorite parts are really the little things. It's the way spectators respond by appreciating your costume and requesting photos. Not only that, but it's also how they perceive your energy and the manner you embody your excitement during the march. It is comments received like "Hey Jess, wonderful costume, it truly looks amazing!", you know? It's especially touching when prominent members of the carnival community text you the next morning with these kind words. You feel motivated to improve for the following Carnival as a result. Although I'm sorry that it has ended, I'm pleased with what it was.
Oh, so you're going to be in the Carnival Parade next year too.
But of course! I'm always in it!
What group are you going to be in? Do you know already or are you waiting to see the themes of each group before choosing?
Regardless of the group concept, I was in Royal this year and I'll be back with them for sure next year.
Have you ever been in another group?
Yes! I've been in the Champagne carnival group too.
How are you going to start prepping for the upcoming year?
OH, I will undoubtedly begin in April of this year. This year, I started late! I would prefer to get started as soon as I can because it requires so much time and attention to detail. I really love Carnival though, it's my spirit, I dance wildly as if no one is watching.
I know, I saw you! You really know how to dance, you were amazing!
I absolutely appreciate that, thank you very much! My feet were so exhausted that they occasionally wanted to give up, but it's also a mental sport because I'm grooving and I'm like "Come on Jessie, you can do this, and you LOVE doing it. This is a once-a-year event that only takes place for a few days!"
And that's her, Jessie Romelli: our BOLD agent, passionate friend, AND Carnival enthusiast.
We would not have her any other wayā¤ļø
Credits: To Edrick Krozendijk or @EdrxckPhotography on Facebook for the wonderful picture. Visit his page for more amazing photos of the parade.
