Latoya Grindley, Gleaner Writer

It is now officially the 'wining' season and the organisers of bacchanal carnival certainly have a Hollywood treat in store for socaphiles.

At the recent bacchanal carnival launch, soca-lovers, media personalities and sponsors got a dose of what it will be like during the weeks leading up to the road march in April.

Under the theme 'Bacchanal gone Hollywood', various Hollywood movie themes will be featured during Friday night fêtes geared to preparing revellers for the 'big day'.

There will be nine weekly fêtes at the resident soca house, Mas Camp, which hosted the opening night dubbed 'Lights, Camera, Action'.

All this and much more including the display of of this year's costumes were on the agenda. Bacchanal Jamaica director, Michael Ammar Jr, says this year's theme is created to help people escape the troublesome realities, even if it's just for a few hours.

"It is Bacchanal gone Hollywood, our escape from reality. It is just allowing you take a break from reality."

Movie theme

Costumes for this year will be a representation of a movie theme and will feature eight sections. There are Showgirls, La Dolce Vita, Pochohontas, Troy, Vegas Guys and Girls, Stardust, Moulin Rouge and Casablanca. Of the eight, three are all female bands.

To get everyone warmed up and familiar with the current soca tunes, the launch featured the chart-topping soca songs, which continued after the formalities.

Guests were treated to various drink delights, enjoyed over some mas music. It is officially showtime with Bacchanal Gone Hollywood. Are you ready?

latoya.grindley@gleanerjm.com