Calinda

What is Calinda?

Calinda is a martial art and war dance from the Caribbean, especially Trinidad and Tobago, where it is a central part of Carnival. It involves stick-fighting, with two fighters facing off in a circle or arena called a gayelle, surrounded by singers and supporters. The dance is marked by ceremonial songs, rhythmic movement, and the use of sticks as both weapons and dance props. The atmosphere is charged, with music and chanting encouraging the fighters.

Where does Calinda come from?

Calinda developed in the Caribbean in the 18th century, brought by Africans through the transatlantic slave trade. Its roots are in African combat dances, especially from the Kingdom of Kongo. The tradition grew in Trinidad as enslaved people, excluded from French Carnival, created their own celebrations, which became Canboulay. Over time, Calinda became formalized, especially after Emancipation, and is now recognized as Trinidad and Tobago's national martial art.

How is Calinda danced?

The dance centers on two men wielding sticks, moving in a circle or arena. They perform a mix of combat and dance steps, with footwork and body movement designed to dodge, feint, and strike. The group around them sings and chants, building energy and supporting the fighters. Ritual gestures and ceremonial songs are performed before the match begins, and the fighters wear special costumes for the occasion.

The music of Calinda

Music is integral to Calinda. A lead singer, called a chantwell, leads call-and-response chants known as lavways, which praise and encourage the fighters. These chants are considered the origin of calypso music. The singing is rhythmic and energetic, matching the pace of the fight and dance. In Puerto Rico, the dance is accompanied by Bomba music.

Costume and what is carried

Performers wear distinctive costumes for Calinda, though the sources do not describe them in detail. The main prop is a stick, called bois in French. Costumes help identify the fighters and add to the ceremonial aspect of the dance. The arena, or gayelle, is a special space prepared for the event.

When and where Calinda is danced

Calinda is most often performed during Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, especially in annual competitions. It was also central to Canboulay, a parallel celebration created by enslaved people. The dance is passed down through community practice and performance, and is still part of Carnival festivities today. Rituals and songs are performed before each fight.

Styles of Calinda

Calinda is known by different names and forms across the Caribbean. In Martinique and Guadeloupe, similar stick-fighting dances exist under names like l'agya and damaye. In Barbados, it is called stick-licking or stick science. In Puerto Rico, Kokobalé is danced with Bomba music. In Haiti, it is a form of the martial art Tire machèt. The tradition also influenced music and dance in Louisiana.

What Calinda means

Calinda is a symbol of Afro-Caribbean identity and resilience. It reflects the history of slavery, resistance, and cultural adaptation in the Caribbean. The dance and its music have shaped Trinidadian culture, especially through their influence on calypso. Calinda remains a living tradition, celebrated as part of national heritage and Carnival, and is recognized as Trinidad and Tobago's national martial art.

Questions people ask about Calinda

Good reading and sources

• Calinda on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Calinda on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo