Carnival is the time when the familiar troops of devils and angels give battle. All of them dress in flamboyant costumes sparkling with sequins, clusters of feathers and silks. Special teams beat their way through the streets, striking walls, floors and trees, and finally a well padded player or players launch into battle. The true meaning of Carnival, or Mardi Gras, during Careme is often forgotten. Both the religious and superstitious character of this festival were promoted to remind the population of the suffering of Christ. Modern-day Carnival, although still highly traditional, usually takes place in July in St Vincent and the Grenadines, as the Windward Islands endeavour to rotate this colourful event throughout the year. Carnival became fashionable during the early part of the century in St Vincent. Today the election of the Carnival Queen involves the sponsoring of candidates by hotel resorts and businesses, and the election of the Calypso King. In the field of agriculture, a crown is given to the most industrious male and female worker. In the Grenadines, and at the close of the dry season, January, February and March, a 'Let Go' season is enforced. This permits goats, sheep and cows to wander freely through the islands, in order to fend for themselves, in a bid for survival. Most of these animals run to the bush, but some remain close to the villages, feeling a certain attachment to their owners. Lawfully all crops must be securely fenced. Should a stray animal plunder the crops, it is captured and tied to a post, where it will be deprived of shade, water and feed for eight days, or until the owner pays for damages. The animal's suffering is enormous, and the owner more than hesitant, aware that the costs will be highly exaggerated. The unclaimed animal's throat is then slit and it is thrown into the dusty road, where no one will touch the body. This severe retribution is usually directed at the many errant, destructive and cunning goats. The custom is slowly dying out. A more romantic ceremony is the Rain Dance, which is organised when drought has severely menaced the people's well being. A big drum is placed on a promontory and chants and dances imploring the skies to open are performed through the night. There is an astonishing percentage of success, and torrential rains often arrive next day! Funerals usually conform to the deceased's wishes, and are colourful events with a party afterwards. The small cemeteries are usually on the shore, in the shade of palms; the tombs face out towards the lagoons and reefs. These are beautiful, peaceful resting places, which become bustling, candlelit theatres on the eve of All Saints' Day. Each tomb, lit by dozens of candles, provides a place for a picnic, for the youngest child to the oldest member of the family who keep their ancestors company until midnight.

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