Calinda
What is Calinda - Piero
Calinda is a martial art mainly danced in Trinidad and other Caribbean countries. It consists primarily of a two-person fight using sticks. Its origins are heavily related to African slavery and traffic by french people. The battle is not just about hitting your opponent with the stick, but it’s more about the art and posture of the body. Having a stance posture, the right attack, the right foot position, speed, and movement. All of this martial art is supported by the heavily rhythmic sound of percussion that only drive the intensity of the battle even further. This sport and dance are considered the national martial art in Trinidad and Tobago, further showing the importance it has in its society.
I personally can compare this activity to fencing. Fencing, just like Calinda, consists of hitting your opponent before they hit you and being able to dodge and block attacks. They both have a neutral stance that is ready for both blocking and attacking as fast as possible. Both sports don’t have the goal to damage anyone, but rather to show off the skills of the players, in a place of respect towards the sport over the self. Calinda is a dance, a dance of swords between two persons whose powers don’t radiate on their power, but rather on their rhythm and control of their body. Calinda feels like a celebration of the culture in Trinidad and Tobago.
Why is this important in Trinidad’s culture - Grace
Calinda has many important deep roots historically in Trinidad's culture. Calinda originally “arose in the early 18th century among Africans enslaved in Trinidad and Tobago” Due to this the people of Trinidad have claimed it and revolutionized its meaning. Although its history is dark, the practice is now accompanied by happy festivals such as carnivals. It has turned into a festive tradition that is always accompanied by music. It is so popular there it was deemed the official martial art of Trinidad and Tobago!
How is music related to this activity? - Grace
Calinda is often performed at Trinidadian Carnival ``There, Carnival songs are considered to be derived from calinda chants and “lavways.” so it is closely related to the topic of music! There cannot be the art of Calinda without its musical accompaniment
I found this video very interesting not only to be able to hear the drums and musical accompaniment to the fight but it oddly reminded me of the rodeos that we have here in America and Washington state. The way the fighting arena was set up, the striped poles for the arena and the flags surrounding it, the people in the stands, and the dirt-floored ring. It was oddly similar in a way.
Sources:
Calenda Dance - Music Rising ~ The Musical Cultures of the Gulf South (tulane.edu)
https://www.allaroundthisworld.com/trinidadian-calinda/
https://www.mysticfighters.com/kalinda-in-trinidad.html
Trinidadian Calinda -- What you teach your kids about the world matters (allaroundthisworld.com)