#everyBODYplayahmas
Carinal is a celebration like no other. For those who don’t know what Carnival (or sometimes called Caribana) are, they are huge events across the Caribbean and many parts of North and South America where people come together to enjoy themselves and party. In the Caribbean there isn’t the same negative connotations for plus size women as exist in other parts of the world but as these great events start to travel with Caribbean people to the United States and Canada, the more ‘accepted’ version of the female figure has started to become more prevalent. And it doesn’t have to be this way. All shapes and sizes are welcomed and this is embraced perfectly by #everyBODYplayahmas, created by Nadelle Lewis, a plus size model in Toronto. It promotes the full-size woman to become involved in these parades and to celebrate their bodies.
Women don’t come in one shape or size. The world is full of beautiful women that deserve the same stage as those that are smaller or what fashion, media and society push as the ideal size. The everyday woman should be able to come out from behind their desk and out of their home and be celebrated for who they are. This is a large part of what Carnival is about and this is where #everyBODYplayahmas comes in to promote a diverse range of participants.
Body shaming is far less prevalent in the Caribbean and this should show through in Caribbean imports like the Caribbean Carnivals that are becoming more popular across North America. And #everyBODYplayahmas is pushing for women to feel more confident about their body and join in with the fun. Women want to feel as though they can become a part of all the Carinal action without having to feel that their body must fit into a certain category. This is why #everyBODYplayahmas is important now – and in the future.
IG: @everyBODYplayahmas