General
jouvert
What does jouvert mean?
The muddy, paint-and-oil-covered daybreak celebration that opens Carnival. From 'jour ouvert' (day opening). Also J'ouvert.
"We covered head to toe in mud after jouvert this morning."
Origin
Trinidadian, from French 'jour ouvert' (opening of the day).
Frequently asked questions
What is jouvert?
Jouvert is the pre-dawn street party that opens Carnival Monday, where people cover themselves in mud, paint and oil while dancing to music.
What time does jouvert start?
It traditionally begins in the small hours before daybreak, hence the name 'jour ouvert', meaning the opening of the day.
Why do people wear mud and paint at jouvert?
The mud, paint and oil are part of the tradition, tied to the celebration's origins and the freedom of the pre-dawn street revelry.
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