Dragon Band

The Dragon Band, originally known as the Devil Band, has its roots in the Jab Jab or Devil Mas’. This unique masquerade began in 1906 when Patrick Jones, with the assistance of Gilbert Scamaroni, was inspired by a sacred image depicting the exorcism of a devil from a sick person and decided to organise a band. By 1909, Jones, alongside Skeedo Philips and Valere, formed a new group called the "Red Dragon Band." It was during this period that Jones encountered an illustrated copy of Dante’s Inferno, sparking the idea to include more characters from the retinue of hell. In 1910, Jones organised another band called Demonites, introducing Beelzebub, a character whose costume resembled Lucifer's but was distinguished by being enclosed in a cage and bound by nine chains. That same year, the dragon or beast was also introduced, initially as a papier-mâché model carried aloft on poles. By 1911, the dragon was portrayed by a person in a costume made of large fish scales, designed to either bristle or lie flat. By this time, the main features of the Dragon Band were firmly established and have persisted to the present day.

Interestingly, while Patrick Jones initially introduced this type of mas’ for its novelty and dramatic potential, there is now a well-established theory surrounding Dragon Mas’. It suggests that the Dragon Band represents Satan and his horde cast out from Heaven. Theoretically, they return to earth on the two days before the Lenten season begins, intending to test the virtue of the faithful during "the forty days and forty nights" of Lent. Despite the widespread knowledge of this theory, those who participate in this kind of mas’ generally do not hesitate to portray the forces of evil, viewing it merely as an opportunity for enjoyment and revelry.

Dragon Bands typically consist of three types of players: Imps, Beasts, and Gownmen. The Beasts wear costumes resembling dragons, complete with scales, a moveable tongue and tail, and a dragon head mask. A chain is fastened around the Beast’s waist, with three or four lengths extending outwards, held by Imps who control the Beast's movements. The Beast's dance involves lunging motions as it attempts to strike at the surrounding Imps, who provoke it while other Imps restrain its efforts by pulling on the chains. The number of Beasts in a band is usually limited, with one designated as the chief Beast. Historically, two highlights of Dragon Mas’ were the Beast’s fight and the ballet of crossing the water, though these spectacles have waned in popularity as the Dragon Band itself has declined. The ballet of crossing the water, also known as "The Coming Out," "The Invocation," or "Crossing the Water," takes place when the band leaves its assembly point to begin the parade. In earlier times, when drains were deeper and often filled with water, the King Imp would lead the band onto the road, followed by the other Imps and the straining Beast. As the Beast approached the drain, the King Imp, or "Tempter," would ring a bell, show a "face" card, or blow a horn to symbolically stop the Beast or make it fall into the drain. The Beast, teased and provoked by the Imps, would finally leap dramatically over the drain, feigning fear of touching the water. After the Beast crosses, the other characters, with Lucifer last, emerge onto the road, and the band begins to parade. The underlying theory of this ballet is that the Beast and the members of the band, as creatures of hell and fire, must avoid water or holy water at all costs, as contact would be disastrous. The Imps, in keeping with their mischievous and devilish nature, mock and frighten the Beast as part of the performance.