Entertainment in Urban Areas

"PARTY OVER HERRRE!! WHOOP WHOOP!!!"

This is how my friends sound right before we are about to go out. But "party" does not necessarily mean just what it says. I would assume that everyone knows the term is just an expression for many actions such as socializing (lyiming) or plain out having a great time (even if it's by yourself) in any setting. It's as simple as a trek in the city to evoke that feeling of freedom to me.

While cities have always been sites of entertainment and pleasure- seeking, a central focus of recent rebranding has been the promotion of the night-time economy, much of which is characterised by the ritual descent of young adults into citycentre bars, pubs and clubs especially during the weekend (Hollands, 1995). 

Nightclubs next door to each other in Port of Spain

This is so in the case of areas of Port of Spain such as St. James which has been coined the "city that never sleeps". The city of Port of Spain in itself is often mentioned as the Carnival capital of the Caribbean. (see video below) This types of branding (cultural branding) owes its development to the growing importance of the cultural, leisure and entertainment industries within the contemporary economy, as much for tourists and other visitors, as for the local population (Mihalis 2005). Everyone, from every place who has heard of Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival, comes to experience this wonder. (disclaimer: I am not a fan nor do I participate in Carnival celebrations :) ) see link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nidh5QRT1nU

The city has lent itself amicably to various social activities, gathering etc especially during carnival season. 

People  gather at Independence Square, during a carnival party promotion Event

But what further implications does place branding  have on city culture, economy and the environment? The transformation of areas(such as St. James) to become a more middle to upper class party/social spot can be seen as a method to revitalize the urban area and in extention the city economy (Mihalis 2005).With the influx of  varieties of restaurants and bars in areas such as Ariapeta Avenue, numerous night clubs that showcase many local, regional and international artistes, the city has done well for itself.   

Culture-wise, it appears to me that Trinidadians take full use of the fact that they are considered the "feters" of the Caribbean and live up to this each weekend evident in numerous activities advertised and promoted via signs, flyers and airwaves.

As far as the environment goes, you remember my blog #3 right??? If not, please visit on pollution in urban areas.

Stay tuned for part 2