The carnival atmosphere engulfed the corner of West Kings House and Waterloo roads long before the revellers passed there during yesterday's street parade.

As early as 10 a.m., the kerbs along both streets became prime real estate, as persons sought good vantage points for the oncoming road march. An open lot in the vicinity, which hosts an annual charity party put on by John Greaves each year, and the Truck Stop eatery were hot spots for gathering.

The Terra Nova Hotel added a classy touch to the carnival spectacle, offering pristine white chairs and awnings on its lawn.

And, of course, there were the pedestrians who outnumbered them all.

Hype and tradition

"It's about the hype and the tradition," said Thasya Chin-Fletcher about coming out to see the road march. "Even if you're not actually marching, it's nice to be a part of it and just lyme - look at those people over there," she added, pointing to a group of about 30 people who had gathered by Waterloo Close equipped with music, a huge umbrella and liquor.

Dr Shane Alexis, who was part of that group, said that's exactly what it is for him.

"It's a family day, it's safe and you catch up with people you haven't seen in a while," he said. Alexis added, though, that he wished the road march was more family oriented. "When I go to Trinidad carnival, it's more of a family event. It's not unusual to see mother, son and grandma taking part."

The next best thing

For Colette Morrison, the next best thing to marching is spectating. "Normally, I'm in it but I've been studying. It's not the same watching, but I want to be a part of the vibe," she said.

As the revellers came down Waterloo Road from Trafalgar Road, the atmosphere thickened. By 2:00 p.m., people were spilling on to the streets, eagerly anticipating the centre of attraction. Within 30 minutes, all eight groups had passed the buzzing intersection, providing the spectacle people had come for.

The carnival road march, whether marching or simply watching, will be a tradition Chin-Fletcher passes down to her 20-month-old son, Logan.

"It's because of him why I'm really here," she said with a wide-eyed Logan clutched in her arms. "I took him here last year and he enjoyed it and I hope to continue."

The Bacchanal Jamaica Carnival Road March started at the Mona hockey field and ended at Mas Camp on Oxford Road. The march covered approximately eight miles and lasted about eight hours.

What a colourful sight to behold.

Her colourful pose in this costume must have been eye-catching.

These two did not mind the sun, as they worked up a sweat.