|
On Jouvert Morning, step into the wild side of Trinidad Carnival, and you're likely to see just about anything. Join in. Our Trinidad Carnival Jouvert Tips will help you make the most of your adventure. You may find images of Jouvert (pronounced Jou-vay) appear a little menacing but don't be alarmed, it's great fun, almost like Halloween for adults.
| Jouvert Tips Before you dress for Jouvert, do like the pros and apply a light coating of baby oil to your entire body. This will help you clean up afterward and prevent the pigments in the various body paints from getting into your pores. Complete your Jouvert costume with comfortable apparel, including underwear, that can be thrown away if stained. |
Essentials Only
The less you have to worry about, on Jouvert Morning, the more fun you'll have.
Most Trinidadians leave their jewelry at home during Carnival, we follow their example, and you may want to do the same. You may also want to leave your camera at home if you are playing in a Jouvert band and don't want your camera to get dirty.
Don't Carry Cash
It is preferable to select one of the all-inclusive Jouvert bands. In this way, you won't have to carry money for breakfast, refreshments or alcohol.
If you're "playing mas" with a group of Trinis then anything goes, follow their lead; otherwise, play mas' and enjoy the sweet madness of Jouvert.
You will be on the road for between 4 to 5 hours on Jouvert Morning, depending on what time the celebration starts. Jouvert begin very early on Carnival Monday morning, start time varies from year to year, but it's usually around 3:00 am. So, make sure you travel with an alarm clock, arrange for a wake up call, or stay up all night partying as we've done on occasion, just make sure you don't miss this incredible event.
Returning to Your Hotel or Guest House After Jouvert
We suggest that you make prior transportation arrangements. You are likely to be dirty and taxis will not want to pick you up. Trinidad hotels will likely not appreciate you walking through their lobby if you are extremely dirty. So again, be prepared, check with the desk prior to playing mas on Jouvert Morning, the hotel will be able to advise as to the easiest way for you to clean up before going to your room.
| Important Jouvert Tip Pace yourself where alcohol is concerned. It may be a novelty to drink in the streets, but you'll probably not want to get so tipsy - read drunk - that you become a problem to those around you. Carnival celebrations run for 2 consecutive days, and you'll likely want to enjoy them both. |
Taking Great Pictures
We have never had a problem taking Jouvert pics because you can, to a degree, control how dirty you get.
Professional photographers do it, so can you. You'll just need to take a few precautions. For example, I keep my small digital camera in a pouch on my hip and cover the pouch with a plastic bag. Another way to safeguard your equipment might be to purchase a disposable camera.
Trinidad Carnival is one of the safest Carnivals, particularly if you apply good common sense. Our "Crime in Trinidad and Tobago" page will have more in-depth information, but some caution is advised.
Playing mas in a Trinidad and Tobago Carnival or Jouvert band is actually a very safe place to be at Carnival time, as most bands have their own security teams. But when leaving your band, it's always wise to travel in groups, especially at night in unfamiliar or secluded areas.
Street Map Required
Jouvert and Carnival bands roam freely through Port-of-Spain. There is no set route, so there is always an off chance that you could become separated from your band.
If you don't know Port-of-Spain, it may be wise to carry a street map with you at all times during Carnival. Free street maps are usually available at Piarco International Airport and from your car rental agency or hotel.
Trinidad Jouvert Spreads Around the World
Jouvert has been exported around the world together with Trinidad style Carnival. From Crop-Over in Barbados to Notting Hill Carnival in London, the Jouvert experience is now available internationally. However, Trinidad Carnival and Trinidad Jouvert are far superior experiences. The original and still the best. Wherever you play mas, remember our Trinidad Carnival Jouvert Tips and enjoy the experience. We do.
