THE STREETS of the capital city Port-of-Spain were flooded with colour and revelry yesterday as the launch of Carnival 2011 was declared by Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Winston Gypsy Peters.

Scores of spectators, including foreigners were seen gathered at Woodford Square taking photographs and video coverage of the street procession, which commenced shortly before 3 pm from Woodford Square, Port-of Spain. 

The procession consisted of traditional mas characters including the Blue Devils, Midnight Robbers, Jab Jab, Sailors and Clowns. There were also Moko Jumbies and Pierrot Grenades. 

The street parade, accompanied by huge music trucks and rhythm sections moved along Frederick Street and headed North to the Queens Park Savannah. 

Conventional Mas and Steelbands also left simultaneously from Victoria Square and proceeded east along Park Street, joining the traditional mas characters at the corner of Frederick and Park Streets. 

At the Savannah, several carnival revellers from various Carnival committees including Couva, South Port-of-Spain, St James, Paramin, Gasparillo, New Carapichaima, Diego Martin, Belmont, San Fernando, Petit Valley and South Oropouche joined in on the street parade. 

Spectators and carnival lovers were also entertained by Indian cross-over band Dil-E-Nadan Orchestra, Super Blue, Black Stalin, Shadow, JW & Blaze, Roy Cape All Stars and the Pamberi Steel Orchestra.