Hedonism is a doctrine, held by some of the Greek philosophers, such as Aristippus, who advocated that pleasure should be the only sought-after objective in life.  There were numerous disciples who were members of such a sect of philosophers that were tutored in such a school of thought, advocated by the Cyrenaic sect.

The present hedonists of Trinidad is one that comes to mind.   An elaborate carnival is fervently held and observed almost as a religion. It is generally so boisterous and intense that it even outclasses the Mardi Gras. The enthusiasm, accompanying the celebration, dates back to the Peleolithic period in history.  Explorers had come across indigenous peoples in many parts of the world, including Polynesians, Inuits, West Africans, Australian Aborigines and some villagers in India, who adhere to the tradition of dancing in the streets.  It is  cosidered as a means of collective joy. The history of collective dancing and merry-making is authenticated by the discovery of prehistoric rock drawings, pronounced by lavish costuming and body-painting.

Street dancing and orgies were banned in Europe after it was suppressed by Protestantism and the Counter-Reformation, based on the premise that such a form of wild and uncontrolled hedonism, could lead to violence. Eighteenth century French settlers in Trinidad had actually introduced the tradition of a pre-Lenten festival that put a particular emphasis on dressing up and dancing like African slaves; but, the carnival itself survived, in spite of the absence of such an observance over the years, in many parts of the world.  Trinidad, however, managed to maintain its carnival tradition,  adding more features to the celebration by the baring of painted breasts and indulgence in alcohol.

Trinidadians celebrate the carnival with flying banners, music competitions and screams of joy, as if they are literally possessed by demons.  Festivities begin as early as 4 a.m. on the Monday, prior to Ash Wednesday.  Deafening bands and drums add to the pandemonium, while a flatbed truck begins rolling, with the crowd dancing along behind it.  At the same time, there are those among the dancers holding bottles of paint that they indiscriminately dab on anybody that happens to be close.

Violence suddenly erupts, as the sound of a police siren pierces the din and pandemonium all around.  But nobody seems to care.  People are seen, covered in blue paint, masked like devils. They keep leaping and writhing, in spite of police intervention.  Stretchers are seen carrying the injured and dead.  But the dancers continue to dance, unperturbed by the interruption.  The tradition must not come to a halt.  The orgy continues, regardless of the rule of law.  It seems as if nothing could stop the frenzy of dancing in the streets of Trinidad.