Jab Molassie

Carnival features several different types of devils, commonly referred to as “jabs,” a term derived from the French word diable. The Jab Molassie, or molasses devil, wears short pants and a wire tail. They carry a pitchfork and may also wear chains, used in an attempt to restrain them as they move wildly, gyrating to the rhythmic beats played on biscuit tins and pitch oil pans. Their costume includes horns, and their entire body—face, ears, and hair—is smeared with stale molasses, tar, grease, or mud.

The Jab Molassie is not a solo character but part of a small band, typically consisting of about seven or eight devils. This character symbolises a devil emerging from molasses, a by-product of sugar production. As part of their antics, they often throw themselves on the ground and run around, trying to intimidate and frighten children. In addition to the Jab Molassie, there are also bands of red, green, and even blue devils.

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Blue Devils