Fetes, soca, and playing mas at the Greatest Show on Earth.
need any Trini what their best-loved clock time of year is , and the answer is consentient : Carnivalseason . That ’s when the Trinidadian capital of Port of Spain comes alive with the speech sound of medicine trucks blaze the former soca tracks , thousands of costumed revelers , and larger - than - life Moko Jumbies ( stilt walkers ) gallivanting through the streets . After a two - year pandemic respite , the nation that ’s given the world fairy-slipper , the blade pan , and melodious greats like Machel Montano , is primed and quick for thereturn of its national hoarded wealth , often called the “ Greatest Show on Earth . ” If you ’re plan on attending the outcome , you ’ll require to make the most of every arcminute — and as a Trini with 15 carnival under my belt , I have a luck of advice to partake in .
But first , some history …
More so thanMardi Gras(although the pre - Lenten festivals have vernacular themes ) , Trinidad Carnival is a way of sprightliness , a fourth dimension of spiritual reconnection to my country ’s vibrant and complex story . It ’s a season that erupt and unites the full nation ( including babe island Tobago ) for a month of revel , insomnia and bacchanal . But to understand why thousands of local and visitors partake in the festivities , rent me take you back to Carnival ’s revolutionary kickoff .
Photo by Keegan Callender. “Mas” in Tribe the band designed by Solange Govia.
In the 1700s , when the French colonized the islands , they bring with them their tradition of profuse masquerade balls , which were conservative expressions of position and big businessman . They ’d dress up in elaborate costumes and eat lavish meals , but enslaved Africans were prevent to participate . Instead , the actor created their own version of the celebration , endure jury-rigged disguises , and using drums , sticks , attack , and whistles to communicate with each other . This vibrant showcase of underground is now re - live all over Trinidad each year . Participants chip ( dancing ) down the route on J’ouvert morning ( the pre - dawn jam before Carnival start ) , cover in clay , paint , gunpowder or cocoa , just as the originators of this sacred custom once marched down those same streets .
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This year , Carnivalofficially runsfrom February 20 to 21 , though it ’s potential to serve result all calendar month long . Here ’s what you need to know before it begins .
Pace yourself—It’s a marathon, not a sprint
In the innovative looping of Carnival , there ’s no shortage of events to attend . With a on the face of it endlessarray of fetes(parties ) that lionise Trinidadian culture and chronicle — plus internal competition likePanorama , Dimanche Gras , and the Carnival King and Queen costume contest — you’ll need to step yourself so as to power through until the festivity ’ opulent finis on Carnival Tuesday . Expect a veridical test of survival as you wake up early , go to bed late , and spend most wakeful 60 minutes partying .
If you have any motion about what to prioritise , verify you attend J’ouvert morning ( Carnival Monday ) , a no - clutches - barred , come up - as - you - are affair . You wo n’t wear a costume , but sample to wear something that ’s ok to get muddy ; participant typically asperse themselves with mud or body paint .
You ’ll also need to go to Tuesday ’s Mas , which is the climax of Carnival week , in which dress up bands promenade through the street . Unlike some watcher - only fair in other part of the world , Trinidad welcome all to the company , and there ’s a dance band for every budget . To play mas ( that ’s a masquerade ) , record with yourband of choiceand pick up your matching costume upon comer ; you ’ll hit the road with your band and trip the light fantastic the day aside with thousands of adorned and feathered merrymaker . Just be sure to keep your eyes on the prize : recover the survival to hold out until the last lick .
During Carnival, costumed revelers dance to Soca tracks in Port of Spain.|BLISS Carnival
Get into soca music
Think of soca music like a jolt to your senses that leave you both whiplashed and hungry for more . Derived from its forefather , fairy-slipper , it ’s the rhythm of Carnival , and each year artists pass the torch Olympic - style in a rise of wise liberation . If this is your first Carnival , download aTeamSocaorDJ JELmix to get familiar with the latest striking before you get to Port of Spain . You ’ll require to come pump , conversant , and ready to cram .
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Check out the eats on Ariapita Avenue
Bussin a fluxing lime — or hanging out — on Ariapita Avenue is a must for those who want to refuel after a day of dancing . A ado of food for thought vendors fill the Ave at night , and reveler should have cash ready to hand to cocker in Trinidad ’s most celebrated and flavourful street snacks . Be indisputable to orderdoubles(fried flatbreads filled with curry chickpeas ) andbake and shark(pocket bread filled with fried shark or fish ) , both of which you may customise to your liking . If you find yourself nursing a Carnival hangover , I can also recommend a red-hot cup of corn soup , which after much “ enquiry , ” I ’ve found to be the complete cure .
Dress comfortably and bring an emergency kit
You ’re go to be on your feet a luck , so comfort is cardinal when you ’re deciding what to wear out . Choose sandals or sneaker with cushy , supportive Sol , and be thoughtful about every element of your outfits . Carnival “ feterans ” often pack getup and accessory , organized and quick to go , in private Ziploc bags — a huge help when your warning gadget for the next fete goes off at 3 am .
You should always carry some emergency basic principle , such as sunscreen and child wipes , and verify you have water ready to hand . You ’ll also want a waterproof headphone case for wet feast , and vex money ( emergency cash ) will come in handy if you lose your crew and take to make your own means home .
Where to stay and how to get around
The detail of your visit may not be to spend time in the hotel , but you ’ll definitely require a comfortable topographic point to get some eternal rest and dress up in your Carnival well . In most case , it ’s idealistic to hold ahead before everything trade out . I ’ve stick atThe Brix Autograph Collection hotelin the past times and really enjoy it , and both theHiltonandHyattshould be just fine for a Carnival stay . Airbnbs are also a great option ; just be sure to reserve at least six months in onward motion if you want something good .
When it come sentence to leave your hotel , getting around Port of Spain during Carnival can try out tricky for first - timers . If you rent a auto , downloadWazeto help you navigate . However , you do n’t have to rent a railcar if you do n’t want to — and you probably do n’t desire to , with all the sleepless nights and drinking . Ride share services are n’t reliable in Trinidad , so you ’ll want to catchMaxi Taxis(color - coded mini coach that lock on fix route ) to take you from fete to celebrate instead .
Feel the energy
There ’s an awakening energy that greets your spirit when you participate in your first Mas . I remember playing with the bandTribeduring my first experience , turning onto the dragway before queer the stage . pause to wonder at the sea of colour , and the total walking on air on people ’s faces , I thought to myself , “ This is what pure joy and euphoria feels like . ” For those few short moments , all that count was the medicine , my friends , and the road ahead . It was perfect .
Enjoy every mo of your first Carnival experience ; I trust to see you on de road again shortly .
Expect a real test of endurance as you wake up early, go to bed late, and spend most waking hours partying.|Photo by Keegan Callender. “Mas” in Tribe the band designed by Solange Govia.
Get familiar with the latest soca tracks ahead of Carnival.|BLISS Carnival
Food vendors selling Trini classics like Bake and Sharks fill Ariapita Avenue.|KBYC photography/Shutterstock
Pack small essentials, like water and sunscreen.|Photo by Keegan Callender. “Mas” in Tribe the band designed by Solange Govia.
I’ve stayed at The Brix Autograph Collection hotel in the past and really enjoyed it.|The Brix, Autograph Collection
There’s an awakening energy that greets your spirit when you participate in your first Mas.|Photo by Keegan Callender. “Mas” in Tribe the band designed by Solange Govia.
