THANK YOU!
The STEAM Division of the MDP-GO™ keeps this Junkyard Jouvert thing pumping.
With the strategic usage of clean, sustainable WAP (water and powder) energy, the STEAM Division’s technicians, mechanics, workamen, workawomen, jammers, pumpers and dumpers are the behind-the-scenes militants that make sure that all Phantom Unit guerrillas are equipped with well-maintained and well-fuelled machinery for their lifelong commitment to the 10-Point Program.
STEAM DIVISION servicemembers are best known for their FLASHLIGHTS
+ tactical green gear + YELLOW protective/utility garments.
STEAM Division servicemembers wear tactical green because they are a military group.
They wear yellow and flashlights for high visibility in steamy environments.
We wearing
green + GOLD.
Jouvert (and Carnival as a whole) has been under siege by obscenely money-hungry organizations. That’s why we have a 10 Point Program of demands that influence the way we are producing Junkyard Jouvert this year.
See our demands below:
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At its core, playing mas is supposed to be about experiencing the euphoria of stepping out of our everyday reality. Completely transforming into whatever we want to be, playing mas is theatrical escapism. Whether we transform into the best version of ourselves, a totally different person, or a made up character with a message, playing mas is about engaging the world from a fresh perspective. This temporary escape fosters creativity, joy, and a sense of freedom, even if just for a day. Playing mas is therapy. It’s health. Playing mas is a human right. Financial barriers should not prevent anyone from enjoying this enriching and liberating experience. Efforts must be made to make the idea of mas more accessible to the masses, more affordable to the people that need it, and more adventurous, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunity for all to celebrate.
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Jouvert, originating from the French term “jour ouvert” (daybreak), is traditionally a celebration of emancipation. Jouvert takes on even greater significance when it coincides with Juneteenth, a day marking the end of slavery in the United States. In 2024, emancipation continues to hold deep meaning as Black Liberation remains an ongoing goal for the diaspora. This celebration is not just a remembrance of past struggles but a recognition of current realities, including the Palestinian and Congolese genocides. These contemporary issues underscore the importance of continuing the fight for freedom and justice globally. By honoring our ancestors and acknowledging these present-day struggles, Jouvert becomes a powerful statement of solidarity and a call to action for liberation everywhere.
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The commodification and hypercommercialization of Jouvert and Carnival as a whole should be regarded as cultural crime. These events are not products or mere tourism experiences; they are soulful, joyful expressions of the fortitude and resilience of the people. When commercial interests exploit these traditions for profit, they strip away the authenticity and spirit that make them unique. This exploitation undermines our cultural heritage and identity. Those who prioritize profit over cultural integrity should be held accountable for this profound cultural violation.
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The attempt to monopolize Carnival in any major city should be seen as cultural crime. Carnival is not a commercial product or a tourist attraction; it is a vibrant, communal celebration of our collective strength and spirit. Efforts to monopolize it undermine the inclusivity and diversity that are its core values. This monopolization erodes the cultural richness and communal ownership of the event. Those who seek to control and profit from Carnival at the expense of its cultural essence should be held accountable for this significant cultural offense. This will protect the cultural richness and ensure that multiple voices and communities can contribute to and benefit from the festivities.
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Jouvert traditionally begins in the early morning, a symbolic act that represents the renewal and liberation as night gives way to day. This timing is crucial, as it commemorates the dawn of freedom and new beginnings. Starting Jouvert at this hour honors the spirit of emancipation and the struggles our ancestors endured for liberty. It is a moment of collective awakening, where participants shed the burdens of the past and embrace a renewed sense of hope and unity. Preserving this tradition is essential to maintaining the authentic cultural and spiritual essence of Jouvert, ensuring it remains a true celebration of our heritage.
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Women have always been at the heart of Carnival and Jouvert, infusing these celebrations with unparalleled happiness and joy. Their vibrant energy, creativity, and leadership shape the spirit of these events, transforming them into powerful expressions of culture and community. Women bring a unique vitality that elevates the experience for everyone, making the festivities more inclusive, dynamic, and spirited. Recognizing and honoring the central role of women ensures that these traditions remain respectful and empowering spaces. All participants should act as respectful guests, supporting and celebrating the contributions of women that make Jouvert and Carnival truly special.
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Carnival and Jouvert are meant to be inclusive celebrations that transcend social and economic boundaries. Classism and elitism create divisions and undermine the communal spirit of these events. Everyone, regardless of their social status, should feel welcome and equal. Efforts should be made to create inclusive environments where all participants can celebrate together without any sense of hierarchy or exclusion.
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The rise of mass-produced costumes, easily procured by Carnival bands through online platforms like Alibaba.com, threatens to dilute the authenticity and significance of this tradition. These pre-packaged costumes lack the soul and craftsmanship of true mas, eroding the immersive and interactive nature of Carnival. By opting for convenience over cultural authenticity, we risk undermining the essence of Carnival, reducing it to a superficial spectacle devoid of its rich cultural heritage.
Carnival should be an authentic, immersive experience that engages all senses and fosters creativity. Participants and organizers must prioritize creativity in self expression, encouraging the use of locally made costumes, DIY costumes and materials that reflect the spirit of Carnival. This approach will enhance the theatrical and interactive nature of the celebration. Let us reclaim Carnival as a vibrant, immersive theatrical experience that celebrates the artistry, diversity, and spirit of our communities.
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Carnival should prioritize the well-being and enrichment of the local community above all else, particularly in cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, where gentrification and displacement are pressing issues. These celebrations are deeply rooted in the culture and traditions of local people who have persevered through colonial and imperial persecution (Canboulay Riots) and nurtured the right to unapologetic self expression through generations. The primary benefits—economic, cultural, and social—must flow to the locals who participate in Jouvert and Carnival.
In many countries in the Caribbean, organizers have prioritized tourists with US dollars over the locals, leading to inaccessibly priced events and a dilution of the overall experience. In many urban areas in the US, gentrification threatens to displace the long-standing communities where Black people thrive, eroding the cultural fabric that makes these neighborhoods culturally rich. Carnival and Jouvert should serve as a symbolic counterbalance to this trend by ensuring that the people get access to the events, and local vendors, artists and performers are given prime opportunities to showcase their talents and products. This means prioritizing local businesses and services, ensuring they receive the economic boost Carnival brings.
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Jouvert and Carnival serve as powerful unifying events for people of African descent around the world, and even more so this year in LA when it coincides with Juneteenth weekend, the celebration of emancipation in the United States. This convergence highlights the interconnected struggles and triumphs of people of African descent worldwide. Jouvert, as a cornerstone of Carnival, becomes a powerful Pan-African ritual, uniting communities in a shared celebration of resilience, liberation, and cultural pride.
Jouvert's presence on Juneteenth weekend serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing quest for freedom and justice. It honors the sacrifices of our ancestors and reaffirms our commitment to advancing the cause of Black liberation. By recognizing and commemorating both Juneteenth and Jouvert, we amplify the voices and experiences of the African Diaspora, fostering solidarity and mutual support.
As we gather to revel in the rhythms of Carnival and Jouvert, we honor the enduring spirit of resistance and resilience that defines our collective heritage. Together, we affirm our shared identity as members of the African Diaspora, celebrating our cultural richness and diversity. Let Jouvert be a beacon of hope and unity, inspiring us to continue the fight for justice, equality, and freedom for all.
Junkyard Jouvert
is the people’s Jouvert.
What is Junkyard Jouvert? As the longest standing jouvert in Los Angeles (going on 6 years!), Junkyard Jouvert is the Official Jouvert of the People of Los Angeles.
What is Jouvert? Basically, where there is a thriving Afro-Caribbean community, there’s Jouvert. It’s a high-energy street paint party originated in Trinidad & Tobago. It is the ritualistic opening of Carnival that is rooted in rebellion and defiance of colonial rule/culture in the Caribbean.
Jouvert is now a beacon for Caribbean identity and entertainment around the world, and the Foreigner brand is at the helm of making space for it in Los Angeles.
“How Afrodiasporic Club Sounds Are Flourishing In The Los Angeles Underground.”
— 2019
FAQs
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J'ouvert is a ritual of freedom and defiance. J'ouvert (pronounced Joo-vay) is a street, paint party created in Trinidad & Tobago held during Carnival though now celebrated throughout many Caribbean cultures, and in international cities where Afro-Caribbean people have established thriving communities. J'Ouvert is likely a gallicization of jou ouvè, the Antillean Creole French term which means "dawn" or "daybreak".
As activist Atillah Springer put it, "Jouvay--in its original manifestation--is a celebration of emancipation" as its origins coincide with the emancipation from slavery in 1838. Some also theorize that some J’ouvert traditions are carried forward in remembrance of various uprisings against colonial powers in Port of Spain, Trinidad, when the people smeared themselves with oil or paint to avoid being recognized.
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The venue for Part 2 is TBA.
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The theme for Round 2 is TBA.
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Junkyard Jouvert 2024 Part 2 is on Saturday, September 7 time TBA.
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General Admission tickets are $34.99.
Group tickets currently on sale for $24.99.
Tickets will also be on sale at the door for $40+.
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$20 tickets are currently on sale! Promotional discounts will be released periodically until the day of the event.
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Yes. Please be prepared to get paint and powder on your clothes and body. Please wrap your hair up. Please be sure to carry a plastic bag or a waterproof case/sac for your phone/valuables.
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CLOTHING: We recommend clothing that is comfortable for dancing.
SHOES: We recommend boots or high top sneakers for your dancing comfort.
Generally speaking: shoes and clothes that you do not mind getting stained with paint.
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The paint that we will be using is designed for paint parties. The paint is safe for your skin and will be further watered down to make sure we all have enough paint to play with.
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Yes. Valid ID is required for entry. No pictures allowed.
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A mix of soca, dancehall, afrobeats + more will be played at Junkyard Jouvert by Foreigner + more DJs TBA
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There will be some street parking available; using uber/lyft is highly recommended.
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Adam Cooper bka foreigner is your direct contact for this event.
He can be reached via email at adam@fromforeign.co.
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Yes. Please contact us at adam@fromforeign.co.
LIFE IS SHORT — LEWWE LINK
✦
LIFE IS SHORT — LEWWE LINK ✦