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Trinidad Carnival is the premiere Caribbean Carnival and the world's greatest street party. Trinidadians relish life, a zest most evident at Carnival time. We "
| Locating Carnival Bands on the Internet You probably know how to find almost anything on the Web. However, for those who are not as proficiant, here's a tip that will enable them to locate Carnival bands official-Websites with relative ease... Search Tip Select one of the Carnival band names mentioned above. Then at your favorite search engine - Google, Yahoo, Live, Ask - type in the Carnival band name you selected, followed by either "Trinidad Carnival Band" or "Trinidad Carnival Costume". Next, type in the year you plan to visit Trinidad - for example, "Tribe Trinidad Carnival Band 2009" - and begin your search. Or go directly to this list of Trinidad Carnival costumes online. |
Costume Prices?
The average price of a Trinidad Carnival costume ranges between $1,500-3,000TT, that's about $240-490US, £120-280UK, or 160-360EUR.
All-inclusive sections cost an additional $300TT - approximately $48US, £25UK, 32EUR, which is very reasonable, considering you get a Carnival costume, all the alcohol and other liquid refreshments you can consume, mobile washrooms, 3 meals, and great music for 2 incredible fun filled days. It's an experience you'll cherish for the rest of your life. An yes, you keep the costume.
Re-Selling Costumes
If at the last minute you are unable to travel, you may be able to resell your Trinidad Carnival costume on the bands website. Trinidadians are famous for their last minute decisions to play mas; as a result, if you register with one of the more popular Carnival bands, you can sometimes resell your costume before Carnival.
We have sold extra "Harts" costumes on a couple occasions, without a hitch. You will however, have to make these arrangements yourself; Carnival bands dont get involved in reselling costumes. Just make sure you collect your deposit before you turn over your information to the buyer. Check on resale potential before registering if this might be an issue for you.
Costume Pick Up
Mas camps distribute Carnival costumes, section by section on predetermined days.
Final costume distribution, for late arriving visitors, usually takes place on the Friday before Carnival, and the lines can be quite long.
The best approach is to collect your costume as early as possible to miss the lines and allow yourself time to make adjustments if necessary.
| Alterations & Adjustments Some bands, like Tribe, have personnel on site when you pick up your costume, who will make alterations free of charge. Not all Carnival bands offer this service; it's advisable therefore, to travel with a small sewing kit, fabric glue, extra Velcro, safety pins and pair of extra shoelaces to make your own adjustments, if required. |
Skimpy Costumes
You may find some costumes a bit skimpy. Don't be overly concerned, there are tankini, hot pants and whole piece versions available. You'll see bodies of every size and shape on Carnival Day, so you will not stand out. Believe me, you'll feel quite at home. As the saying goes, "When in Rome..."
| Warning Whole piece costumes present certain challenges when visiting the washroom on Carnival days, tankini versions are much more practical if you prefer a little extra cover. |
Invisible Support
For many ladies, dance-type tights that provide support are an integral part of their Carnival costume. Wearing nude (skin color) tights helps you feel less exposed while not detracting from your costumes obvious sex appeal. It can make all the difference between feeling like you are wearing a bathing suit, and feeling like you are wearing a Trinidad Carnival costume.
| Hint Carnival pros cut off the toes of their tights, then they wear their tights like a spandex pants that ends just above their ankles. |
Be Kind to Your Feet
Wear comfortable and preferably well worn-in sneakers. Lets face it, you need shoes that are designed for running, jumping and walking long distances. Shoes should fit snugly but not be overly tight. Don't be seduced by suggestions to wear flip-flops, sandals, boots or heels, especially if this is your first time playing mas. You will be on your feet, marching, for 2 days.
| Suggestion Get creative; turn your old sneakers into distinctive Carnival footwear. Decorate your sneakers as a craft project, using your costume colors and design as reference. If you register early, you'll have lots of time to shop for sequins etc. to make your sneakers uniquely you. |
Footcare & Recovery
Other than sore muscles, blisters are the most common side effect from the pounding your feet take at Carnival time. If you are prone to blisters, protect the most venerable areas with Moleskin before joining your band on Carnival Monday morning. Your feet will thank you on Ash Wednesday morning, believe me.
Moleskin is far superior to band-aids for preventing blisters, is relatively inexpensive and is available at most pharmacies and drug stores internationally.
| Suggestion A good way to rejuvenate your feet, on Carnival Monday night, is to soak them in warm water and bicarbonate of soda. It is like a mini hot tub for travelers and surprisingly effective. |
Proper Pedicures
The second most common side effect has to do with "chipping", the standard, shuffling dance step of Carnival. While chipping is the most energy efficient gate for Trinidad Carnival, it sometimes can have a minor side effect.
If your shoes are worn loosely, this marching shuffle tends to jam your toes into the front of your shoe. The result, for those with long toenails, can be bruising and loss of the big-toe nail. The easy way to prevent this, is to simply clip nails as short as reasonably possible prior to Carnival, they soon grow back.
Why not support the local economy? It's cheaper to buy your accessories in Trinidad. There's a wide range of Carnival eye-candy available, including unusual make-up, body decorations, glitter, costume jewelry and sunglasses.
You'll find great little Carnival accessory shops at Long Circular Mall in St James and at West Mall in Diego Martin. Additionally, many mas camps - your Trinidad Carnival band headquarters - will have costume jewelry and other accessories on sale, when you pick up your costume.
For first time visitors, joining an all-inclusive band, or section, is the most convenient way to secure a worry free Carnival Monday and Tuesday. You'll be provided with lunch on Monday, breakfast and lunch on Tuesday, mobile restrooms, and all the alcohol and other beverages you can consume. All-inclusives may be a little pricey for those who aren't big drinkers, but the convenience factor is incredible.
| Caution Pace yourself where alcohol is concerned. While it may be a novelty to consume alcoholic beverages in public, you probably will not want to get so tipsy - read drunk - that you become a problem to those around you. Remember, Trinidad Carnival is 2 days, so you'll probably want to make the most of your experience and enjoy both days to their fullest. |
Old-school Food & Drink
You also have the option of buying what you need from the numerous roadside bars and street vendors. We did this when we played with "Poison" and we had a wonderful time.
Many people make a conscious choice to support local vendors, who are licensed and regulated by the government. In this way, the economic benefit that Trinidad and Tobago Carnival brings to these islands is felt from the grass roots up.
Join this conversation about your Trinidad Carnival band refreshment options for more information.
| Be Aware that... Carnival bands have no fixed route as they roam around Port-of-Spain, so you will likely pass through areas where vendors are few and far between; furthermore, stepping out of the band to buy food and drink increases the probability that you could become separated from your band, if you are not alert. Recommendation If you are liming, hanging out, with a group of Trini's, then follow their lead and support local vendor whenever possible. However, if this is your first Trinidad Carnival or you are alone, it may be wisest to stick with the all-inclusive approach. |
Cash & Corn Soup
If you register with an all-inclusive band, there should be little need for you to carry cash. However, you may wish to have just enough money on hand to sample some of the local delicacies available roadside. Delicacies like Corn soup and Aloo pie, great Trinidad Carnival food.
If you do decide to carry cash, use Trinidad and Tobago currency ($TT), and ensure that you have small bills on hand ($5s, $10s and $20s).
Mobile Washrooms
Many bands have mobile washrooms, a convenience, ladies in particular will appreciate; otherwise, you may have to depend on randomly placed public facilities. For a small fee, about $100TT - approximately $16US, £8UK, 11EUR, you'll be assured that there is always a washroom close at hand. If you select an all-inclusive option, mobile washroom access is usually included in the price.
Make prior arrangements for transportation to and from your Carnival band's meeting place, as it can be difficult to find safe, reliable transportation on Carnival days.
If you plan to drive, appoint a designated driver, otherwise hire a taxi or arrange a lift home. While the drinking and driving laws are rather laxly policed in Trinidad and Tobago, you don't want to find your self too tipsy - read drunk - at the end of either day that you become a danger to others on your drive home, especially as you are in a foreign country.
| Car Rental Notes If you propose to rent a car, be prepared for relatively high rental cost due to the increased demand at Carnival time. Also, be aware that the closer to Carnival you arrive in Trinidad, the greater the chance that your auto rental will not be in pristine condition; in fact, some cars rented during Trinidad Carnival would barley be considered roadworthy in more developed countries. It's simply a matter of supply and demand. |
Monday Mas
Most revelers wear only basic parts of their costumes on Carnival Monday. In fact, many bands particularly ask that you not wear your headpiece.
Tuesday is the big day when costumes are worn in full and bands judged. Bandleaders prefer their creations to be at their best for this competition. Monday is a day to have fun... relax, enjoy yourself.
Damage Prevention
Sunscreen is the single most importation preparation for Carnival days, especially for those not accustomed to spending long periods in the sun; most of us in other words.
The Caribbean sun can be very damaging, so protect yourself. One year, I braided my hair and forgot to apply sunscreen to my scalp. I now apply 2 coats of SPF 30 sunscreen to make sure I am completely covered.
| Remember Use special tearless sunscreen on your face. You don't want the regular stuff anywhere near your eyes, a lesson I learnt the hard way. |
Essential Items
Here's a great pre-Carnival craft project: A small pouch, hanging from a strap over the shoulder is an ideal way to keep your hands free. I usually make a pouch for my mother-in-law and another for myself, using our costume colors for design ideas. It's great for carrying essentials like sunscreen, emergency cash, a street-map, medication, safety pins or lipstick. You can adjust the size to fit your needs.
Carnival Pictures People love to pose at Carnival, which make it easy to get great Trinidad Carnival pictures.
In our experience, small point-and-shoot digital cameras are the most convenient for capturing Trinidad Carnival memories. My father-in-law keeps his in a fanny pack, I prefer mine slung over my shoulder; either way, you need to keep your hands free for those refreshing ice cold drinks.
Stay Hydrated
You'll be partying in the sun for 8 hours on Monday and another 10 hours on Tuesday. Stay hydrated. Drink lots of cold fluids. Whether you consume alcohol or not, your body is going to be crying out for water.
Some bands provide "Mist Zones", which revelers use during the hottest part of the day, between 12 noon and 4 pm. It's a quick, easy way to cool down, a bit like taking a refreshing dip in the sea when you are at the beach.
Crime at Carnival
Playing mas in a Trinidad and Tobago Carnival band is actually one of the safest places to be at Carnival time because most bands have their own security personnel.
We always travel in groups when separated from the band. This is just good "street sense". Our "Crime in Trinidad and Tobago" page will provide more in-depth information; however, caution is always advised, especially in secluded or unfamiliar areas.
| Trinidad Carnival Tip Leave valuables at home. It's highly advisable to wear only inexpensive costume jewelry at Carnival. |
Medical Facilities
Most of the larger bands have First Aid personnel traveling with the band. They are equipped to handle minor injuries that arise on the road during Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago.
If the problem is more serious, these Medics will know the quickest way to contact Ambulance or Police services.
There are also First-Aid Centers, which provide free services at most carnival competition judging points in Port-of-Spain. We used these facilities recently when I got sunscreen in my eye. We found the attendants helpful and the care excellent.
Need a Street Map
It bears repeating, there's no set route for Carnival bands as they move through Port-of-Spain, so there is always an off chance that you could become separated from your band.
If you don't know Port-of-Spain, it is wise to carry a street map with you at all times. Free street maps are usually available at Piarco International Airport, car rental companies and most hotels. If you plan to leave the band for any reason, it is always a good idea to have someone accompany you.
Does Age Matter?
Absolutely not. The age of revelers in Trinidad Carnival bands varies considerable. The average age of people who play mas is around 24-35. However, teenagers of 16 and often younger play with parental supervision, and many carnival veterans 60 and older still play mas regularly. Trinidad Carnival is for the young at heart. It's not how old you are; it's how old you feel.
