On my way to witness mas playing

So, I am a foreign student in St. Lucia, and here is my opportunity to experience their carnival and get some photos of carnival costumes. Tomorrow is their parade of bands, so guys look forward to some great pics and tell me what you think. Then, on to Antigua my home where we will be having our carnival, the greatest summer festival  from July 28-August 7. Get ready folks more pics coming. The Caribbean carnival season is on!!!!!
Lets see what $650 - $1500 looks like these days!

Price for carnival costume

So I checked around and was told that the average cost for carnival costumes ranges from $650 - $1500. While I am truly shocked, especially because of this hard economic times, I am more shocked because there is less costume to wear and more money. I think with less creativity we should at least be able to go into any lingerie store and make our own. What do you think?

Carnival Costumes- are they too sexy and less cultural?

Carnival is a way for the people of the Caribbean to express themselves socially, artistically and sheer joy with visitors from all over the world. Everyone, including the spectators, is part of the celebrations. Carnival is the way to celebrate life! From Trinidad, Antigua, St. Lucia to St. Vincent we see revellers bearing all. 

But are we moving away from the cultural aspect and are the costumes becoming more and more like underwear? Traditionally Caribbean carnival  came from the rich African culture the tradition of creating pieces of sculpture, masks and costumes. For the Caribbean people carnival became an important way to express their rich cultural traditions and also as a form of expressing their emancipation from slavery.

Hey! don't get me wrong the colour, passion and vibrancy is still evident, if anything the inclusiveness is getting larger and larger. More people are actually taking part in the festivities, but is the cultural aspect even apart any more? 

Traditional costume

It use to be that a lot of creativity, energy and patience was put into work such as welding, painting, sewing, gluing, applying feathers, sequins and glitter creating wonderful cultural pieces. Carnival groups, entertained by music orchestras, parade and dance wearing costumes depicting a common theme. 

Are the costumes now more sexy and less cultural or is it new style new culture?