Priest defends Carnival revellers

Anglican priest Father Sean Major-Campbell has offered a bold perspective on the rising popularity of Carnival in Jamaica, especially around the Easter period.

"People should be free to attend carnival at any time they wish, be it Easter or Sunday or Sabbath or otherwise," he declared.

On Sunday, the streets of Kingston burst into life as revellers from across the Caribbean descended in vibrant, revealing costumes, parading and dancing through a sea of colour, music, and celebration. While the spectacle captivated many, it also reignited debate within Christian circles about the balance between faith, personal freedom, and festivity.

Major-Campbell was quick to point out that the church itself holds no unified stance on the matter.

"Different people in the church would have different views. My view does not necessarily represent that of the entire church since there is no one view," he explained.

He acknowledges, however, why some members of the faith community may feel conflicted, especially given the sacredness of Easter.

"Interestingly, the Church at Easter is specifically celebrating the triumph of life from the death of sin. Easter is also a time after the Lenten fast, when the flesh is disciplined, and the focus is on gratification of the spirit rather than the flesh. That is why carnival is traditionally done before Easter and not at Easter," Father Major-Campbell pointed out.

Still, he emphasised the importance of allowing cultural expressions to flourish without judgement.

"There is a place for allowing those who do any celebration to speak from their own purpose and reasons. Carnival is indeed a cultural expression and an important creative economic activity which is more than a one-day activity," he said.

"Young Jamaicans who are enthusiastic about Carnival and also committed to their faith, should continue growing in their faith even as they enjoy the various cultural festivities of their choice," he added.

He also stressed that faithfulness is not tied to location but to individual conduct.

"It is people who go to church, and it is people who go to carnival. What matters is what they do when they go to either context. There are Christians who have molested children in church. There are Christians who have attended carnival without breaching any of their Christian values," he said.

Father Major-Campbell noted the logistical challenges that carnival festivities can pose for churchgoers.

"One of the best ways for Carnival and Christians to coexist is for the state to ensure that both groups have free and clear passage on the roadways. Currently, many Christians have to stay away from church on a Sunday, due to difficulty in movement along the occupied corridors," he said.

"There has been disappointment for some who wish to be in church; but for whom travel to or from church would be difficult due to blocked roadways," he added.