The All Inclusive
Trinidad Carnival Band Question

What are your refreshment options at Carnival time?

If you are playing mas' for the first time, then you'll want to know whether all-inclusive Trinidad Carnival bands provide all they promise? How convenient is it to obtain suitable refreshments? What are the other options, and of course how much will they cost?
And the answer is...

 Liquid Refreshment 

My friend and I have an ongoing discussion about all-inclusive Carnival bands versus drinks carts. In her judgment, it can be very difficult to get a drink from a moving all-inclusive bar.

One of her pet peeves is that for every beer she gets poured, from an all-inclusive Carnival bar, she ends up with less than half of it in her glass. The remainder turns to froth in the hustle, or ends up on the ground. You could say, "Who cares? It's all-inclusive, just grab another beer, it won't cost you any more."

The problem, in her opinion, is that she ends up spending more time at the bar than she should, and less on the road enjoying herself. To her, this is a waste of good beer, money, and definitely a waste of her time.

 Fighting for Food 

In another all-inclusive experience, she was frustrated by the challenge of keeping pace with the breakfast truck, while competing with everyone else to get doubles. So frustrating was this particular experience that she eventually gave up.

Now, that's where we differ, I wouldn't give up, I'll go to Timbuktu and back for doubles. By the time she did return to the breakfast truck, the doubles were finished.

 A Lunch in the Park 

Carnival bands can often exceed 4,000 people, which can make delivering copious amounts of food and drink, while on the run, quite challenging.

Tribe, a well-known all-inclusive Trinidad Carnival band, faced some challenges in it's early years, running out of food for lunch on two separate occasions.

It must be said however, that Tribe has a very loyal following, so they must be doing many things right, and they have taken the wise precaution of scaling down carnival band numbers to ensure the best possible service to members in the future.

My experience with all-inclusive Trinidad Carnival bands has been good. The beer issue I agree with, but I resolved it by drinking run and coke, which I prefer anyway. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience playing mas with Tribe. The costumes were great, the food good and we had a blast. Actually, there we are above enjoying lunch in the park.

 All-Inclusive Food and Drink Costs 

It's difficult to know your exact refreshments cost in an all-inclusive Carnival band because the expense is included in the price of Trinidad Carnival costumes. See Trinidad Carnival Tips, for more information about cost, and anything else you need to know about joining a Trinidad Carnival band.

 Drinks Carts 

Back to the discussion...

In my friend's view, it's very easy to get a drink from a cart. You simply help yourself. In her opinion there is no contest. I tend to agree with her, for the most part. It is very easy, and convenient, to mix yourself a drink, and there are no lines. However...

Drinks carts take up so much space, relegating masqueraders to the edges of the road where they often have to vie with spectators for space. This can generate a feeling that masqueraders are second-class citizen in the band. And...

If your drinks cart is one of those that does not provide food, you will have to find something appropriate for yourself, which can be a challenge, or not, depending on where you stop for lunch.

 Independently Owned 

For the most part, carnival drinks carts are privately owned and require that you arrange service with them individually. Each one is a little different. We've had some great experiences, and most carts have a loyal following. But...

Be aware that drink carts are more of a lime than a business They have a maximum number of members they can service, and as a result they can't always be depended upon fully. Here is a recent experience that may give some insight...

 Recent Experience 

After being a regular with the same drinks cart for over 10 years, a friend confided, he was told that he could not be accommodated because the owner had to make room for his children who were to play mas' for the first time that year. Great for the kids, but not so good for my friend.

After some serious negotiations, my friend finally secured a place for himself and a few of his lime, but other cart regulars in his party were left scrambling to make last minute arrangements.

 Drinks Cart Costs 

Becoming a member of a drinks cart for the 2 days of Carnival will cost you approximately $400TT, about $66US, ₤36UK or €45EUR, for which you will be provided with all the alcoholic and other beverages you can consume during that period. An incredible barging for visitors.

 Old-school Refreshments 

We have also done things the old-school refreshments way - buying food and drink from roadside vendors - and I'd have to say that it worked out remarkably well. That is...

Other than having to carry, and fiddle with, cash all day long, and having to worry about the increased security risk carrying cash can bring. As a guide, during Carnival season expect a beer - Carib, Stag and other great local lager - to cost you about $10TT, approximately $2US, ₤1UK or €1.20EUR. A very reasonable price.

 Get What You Pay For 

It's all about convenience versus cost. All-inclusive Trinidad Carnival bands seem to be doing very well. Their band members are obviously getting what they want. Not having to leave the band is a tremendous benefit, particularly for first time mas' players.

Hearts' carnival band - where drinks carts originated, one of the few bands to use drinks carts exclusively, and the longest continually operating carnival band - is always sold out. The question is, "Do Trinidad Carnival band members get everything they want?" It would definitely seem that way, from the increasing numbers of people playing mas'.

 YOUR Opinion 

We recommend that you either read about the unique experiences of other visitors, readers like you but who may have played mas' before, and then, make up your own mind. Our purpose is not to promote any one band, or choice but to provide enough local insight for you to make an informed decision. Or...

If you've played mas' before and already have a definite opinion about the food and drink options available to you, as a member of a Trinidad Carnival band, then...

Tell us what YOU think...

All-inclusive Carnival Bands,

Drinks Carts or Old-School?

Tell us YOUR opinion here...

Which solution do you prefer? Are you happy with access to food and drink at Carnival time, and if not why not? With the trend towards all-inclusive Carnival bands are vendors being left out?

How should Trinidad Carnival bands handle food and drink? What is your best food and drink experience at Carnival time? What is the next best food trend and who is showing the way? And finally, do all-inclusive Trinidad Carnival bands deliver all that they promise?

Our readers would love to hear from YOU...