What is Jouvert?

J'Ouvert (pronounced Joo-vay) whose name comes from the French words "jour ouvert" which means "Daybreak" or "morning" is a vibrant, pre-dawn Caribbean street festival marking the start of Carnival, rooted in Trinidad and Tobago's history of emancipation in the 18th century. Revelers cover themselves in paint, mud, or oil to symbolize freedom, defiance, and cultural expression through music, dance, and satirical costumes.