Speaking the language of the soul

Carnivals

Carnivals, originating from a blend of Catholic and pagan traditions, were historically celebrated as feasts of the flesh before lent. They served to drive away evil spirits and critique societal norms while expressing liberty through character creation, dance, and lyrics in a colorful, chaotic, and festive environment.

In the 17th-18th centuries, Carnivals were introduced to modern Southern U.S. and Caribbean settlements like New Orleans and Puerto Rico by Spanish and French colonialists, including Canarian Islanders and African slaves who integrated and hid their religious beliefs into costumes, dance, and music.

Today, Carnivals are annual celebrations typically held in February or March, spanning from a few days to a few months. They blend traditional rituals with modern entertainment such as group costume contests, queen’s galas, drag shows, and street theatre. The streets come alive with music stages and elaborately decorated trucks, cars, and bikes. Participants express creativity and make sociopolitical statements through costumes ranging from simple masks to elaborate full-body ensembles and group themes, engaging in humorous and character-based interactions.

FUNDSTUME plans to collaborate with over 33+ organizations hosting Carnivals across the U.S. and globally. FUNDSTUME’s initiatives include researching, documenting, and publishing the historical, cultural, and religious contexts of costume art. Additionally, FUNDSTUME aims to develop new costume concepts and activities tailored for these vibrant Carnival environments.

Through their Grant Giving Program, FUNDSTUME will provide funding to some of these organizations for running their events and to selected independent groups and individuals for carrying out activities related to costume art within those. In addition to financial support, FUNDSTUME will offer human resources for project execution and fiscal sponsorship services.