Naduri
J. J. Grech remembers a much more spontaneous Carnival in Nadur. This
was his reaction after reading june29th.com's interview
with Dr Vicki Ann Cremona:
STOP
organizing the Sunday Carnival Show
by J. J. Grech
First
of all, I want to make a short statement (with no bad feelings) against
Dr. Vicky Ann Cremona, as I happen to be one that has been doing my very
best against “an organized Nadur Carnival”. The only snag in her
statements is that she came too late on the scene. I was given a copy by
one of my friends who happens to share the idea like mine.
Another
thing I want to state is that, year in year out, I have been repeatedly
approached to form a committee to organize the Nadur Carnival. Not only
I did refuse such a proposal, but I showed my anger with these people by
telling them that they were trying to kill Nadur Carnival. I succeeded
in holding some persons who, by the way, had only tried to upgrade the
carnival at Nadur.
I
have to go back to pre-war years to show exactly how the people made
true fun during those far off days when life was much harder than today.
Carnival
used to be celebrated on three Sundays. The last Sunday being the real
Carnival followed by another two days before the start of Lent which in
those days meant real fasting.
The
first two Sundays had a real meaning. They were intended as a build up
for the proper Carnival. There were no maskarati. Groups of
musicians used to gather in particular shops and play Carnival music on
rustic instruments, while those within the shops clapped their hands.
Different groups used to compete in a friendly way, but being careful
not to meet the rival ones (eg. the San Blas and the Ta’ Hida group).
The
Second World War made its toll on this sort of merriment. But after a
while, due to the pressure exerted by the authorities, the
‘maskarati’ had to cover their face after sunset. That was the first
blow to kill the real merriment. However, Nadur covers a large area
which made it truly impossible for the policemen to cover it all! Nadur
inhabitants believe that to truly enjoy our traditional carnival one
must be a maskarat. The true Naduri maskarat is not a
spectator but a reveler.
A
deadly blow was given when a big truck used to the parked near the
Mnarja Band Club making it impossible for the revelers to go to the rest
of the village. Another blow was the use of groups or CD’s giving
music that had nothing to do with the traditional Carnival music using
rustic instruments and playing in a way that made the audience dance for
joy.
Not
to be overdone, another truck used as a stage, played ‘rock music’
near the football club.
So
one can understand, that the most important thing was money-making by
the two clubs. The maskarati were thus pressed by the already
present crowd into part of December 13th Street.
I
totally agree with Dr. Cremona who really suggested what was killing the
real spirit of Carnival.
To
make matters worse, the Local Council started organizing another type of
Carnival in the village square. Of course, this is a false copy of all
other Carnivals. Those that can use their head only for a hat, started
praising the afternoon Carnival as a big success by stating that
spectators are on the increase every year.
I
sincerely appeal to all concerned to stop organizing the mid-day
Carnival on a competitive way. Hands off the real particular Carnival.
Take off those flood lights.
This
appeal comes from a person who loves Nadur and is angry when seeing
children entertaining children.
“Kemm konna ahjar meta konna aghar!”
