Ziah Loregnard as Madame Butterfly
This is Ziah Loregnard who, at age 9 is already a seasoned masquerader. Before I talk about her butterfly costume let me tell you a thing or two about her. I remember first spotting Ziah on television in 2002, I think it was. I was watching the televising of the Red Cross Kiddies carnival. They were showing the tiny tots, babes in arms, babes in walkers category – yes folks, there are competitions in Trinidad carnival specifically for babies with costumes made into their strollers and walkers. Ziah’s was something to do with confectionery – it was all candy canes, cotton candy and the like. She came on stage with a woman, probably her mom, who escorted her to the area in the grand stand facing the judges. Keep in mind folks the child is in a walker, so she’s probably not quite 2 years old, not old enough to walk and the stage is a good 200 yards long and perhaps 100 yards wide. I’ll tell you something, this child is a true blue mas player because somehow she realized the moment she got in front of the judges it was time to show off. She just started moving and jumping and playing her mas like nobody’s business. The crowd in the stands loved her, they went wild with excitement. I’ve spotted her in costume in subsequent years – after so many years there are some children who play king and queen costumes that I recognize. A few years ago a grown-up was arranging something on her costume on the ramp at the Queens Park Savannah stage and she noticed slight movement. Like a true queen she said with a very stern 7-year-old voice, come on, we’re going on stage! A true mas player indeed. 🙂
Enough story telling, today is  Bdc Lagniappe day. Ziah’s costume like so many others is fully supported by a backpack probably made of wood or a heavy molding clay and aluminum and fastened with belts. The costume is then built onto it with wire and more aluminium – light material but expensive – and decorated with fabrics that will stand out and embellishments.
Enjoy
L