Written by Jamila Powell

As some of you may know I have been bitten by the Trinidad Carnival bug!  Last year was my first year, and I went back for round #2 this year.  Now Rochelle is a carnival queen, but I would consider myself a novice.  So right now I’m going to cover the basics for Trinidad Carnival beginners!

Ok, first and foremost, carnival is not a game.  Most people can’t conceptualize preparing a year in advance for a vacay, but carnival is serious business.  So just so we’re clear carnival prep should be starting NOW!!!!  Carnival Monday is March 7, 2011, and Carnival Tuesday is the following day, March 8, 2011.

Suggested stay:

Carnival season starts at the beginning of the year!  Fetes increase in regularity the closer to carnival Monday and Tuesday.  I usually go from Wednesday to Wednesday.  Now there are a couple of things to take in to consideration.  Mainly the fetes, and what you would like to accomplish.  So if there is a day party you would like to attend (i.e. Beach House on Thursday), you don’t want to fly in on the day of, because the flights come in too late, and by the time you clear immigration and customs, and get your bags, you would have missed the fete and wasted your money.  Also, a lot of people go to Maracas on Wednesday to chill on the beach, or fly to Tobago for some relaxing fun in the sun.  So basically, the length of your stay depends on what you would like to do.

Flights:

I have only flown on American!  Carnival fares will go on sale probably next week, so you want to figure out how long you want to stay, and purchase your ticket when you see a good price.  Last year I was able to fly from Miami to Port of Spain for $272!

Lodging:

My first year I stayed at Monique’s Guest House.  It was clean, affordable, and a place to lay my head.  That was about it!  LOL!  This year I stayed at the Hyatt, which was FIYAH!  Other hotels I would suggest are the Carlton Savannah, which is new, or the Kapok Hotel.

Hyatt

Carlton Savannah

Transportation:

If you know someone in Port of Spain you should have them arrange a driver for you!  If you have never driven in the Caribbean, meaning lived there, then now is NOT the time to try it out.  You have to be super aggressive, and just close your eyes, make it happen, and hope that no one hits you!  LOL!  So with that said, get a driver!

Fetes:

My line up for my first trip to Trinidad was as follows:

Wednesday: Bacchanal Wednesday (live music, Dj)

Thursday: Beach House (Dj)

Friday: Boat party (Dj)

Friday night: Girl Power (live music, Dj)

Saturday: Eclipze (Dj)

Sunday Morning: Diamond Vale (Dj)

Sunday Evening: Brian Lara (live music, Dj)

Monday Morning: Red Ants Jourvet

Monday: Road March (Tribe)

Tuesday: Road March (Tribe)

Ok, I was born in Colombus, Ohio, and raised in Maryland, so the all-inclusive was brand new to me.  An All-inclusive party includes music (live or DJ), Alcohol, and food!  Sounds cool right?  Ok, so as we all know, nothing in life is for free.  These parties cost, and I don’t mean TT cost, I mean American dollars cost.  So be prepared to spend some dough!

You have to go to at least one of the fetes with live music.  Before last year I had no clue about Machel, Destra, Denise Belfon, or really any of the Soca stars.  My must attend fetes are Beach House, Eclipze, and Diamond Vale.  Ummmm, I did Jourvet my first year and, that may have been my last time!  LOL!  The mud, paint, and chocolate was just to much for me.  However, Ro LOVES jourvet.  I will say if you go to carnival for the first time it’s a must.

***PHOTOS***

Fete Tickets:

Now if you don’t have anyone there then you have to hustle for yourself and be on top of things.  I used Trinidad Fete Tickets last year, and this year.  Now you have to keep in mind that when you get to Trinidad you have to actually pick up your tickets, and they have business hours.  However, I will say that BOTH years they have accommodated me and my friends by coming to Tribe Mas Camp, or meeting us where ever necessary to make the transfer.  They only offer some tickets for sale.  They don’t normally sell Diamond Vale or Eclipze tickets.  Diamond Vale tickets are almost impossible to secure if you don’t have an in.  So I would try and start contacting the promoters NOW, check out www.valevibe.com.  If you think I’m joking wait to the last minute, and see what happens!  LOL!  Eclipze sold out this year, which is great news, because I really love this fete.  You definitely want to secure this ticket before you get to Trinidad because the venue is small and intimate.  For information, contact Wayne or Carlton at blitz.llc@gmail.com.

Costumes:

There are several different bands (i.e. Tribe, Spice, Island People, Harts, etc…)  Each band picks a theme for carnival.  Once the theme is selected, there are different sections in the band, and every section has it’s own costume that goes with the theme.  So first and foremost do your due diligence, and select the band you want to play with.  I have only played with Tribe.  So I’m only equipped to really suggest this band, and discuss the purchasing procedure.  So first know that playing Mas is expensive.  Each section has a backline (less expensive, and less ornate), and a frontline (more money, feathers, and bling)!  Sometimes there are specialty sections , which cost more and are harder to get in to, and sometimes you can pay more for different options (i.e. a larger headpiece, or backpack).  I can’t remember all of Tribes prices, but I don’t believe there was a backline costume less then $600.  Your fee includes:

• Fully stocked Premium bars with unlimited supplies of ice-cold Alcoholic and Non-alcoholic drinks
• A variety of Food (breakfast, lunch, snacks, dessert)
• Private Security Team
• Complimentary Shuttle Service to the band (for latecomers)
• Goodies Bag (Carnival essentials and souvenirs)
• Tribe ‘Cool-Zones’
• On-site Paramedic Team & Ambulance
• Mobile Restrooms
• Roaming Photographers
• And of course, your costume!

Now here’s the tricky part.  Tribe is the most popular band, and is hard to get in to!  In the past they issued TLC Codes (loyalty codes).  If you have a loyalty code you can purchase your costume before the general public.  They must have issued a BUNCH of codes to people, and from what I have gathered they never expire.  So even though I paid my hard earned money TWO years in a row, I can’t get a freaking code!!!  Can you tell I’m annoyed!  LOL!  So last year if you played Mas earlier that year you could purchase a costume after TLC code holders, and before the general public.  The downside to this, is that you probably won’t get the costume you really want, but something is better then nothing.  If you have to buy when everyone else does, be prepared to get nothing.  Don’t fret my pet!  You can still get in to Tribe!  I have bought my costumes both years at Carnival Junction!  You must be a savvy shopper!  Costumes go super fast, so you need to be on your A game and stalk the site.  If you see a costume for sale with measurements that are doable, contact the seller, and make sure they are trustworthy.  DO NOT let people price gauge you.  People were really out of control this year, and were seriously trying to make a profit.  If you stay focused you will get a costume.  You want to purchase your costume in enough time to fully transfer the costume in to your name.  There is a deadline, so know your dates.  Also, if you pay your costume in full by a certain date, you can fast track the pick up of your costume at Mas camp.  The Bands start launching in July, and registration will follow!  All I can say is be on top of your game.

***PHOTOS***

Cost:

I would say if you aren’t staying with family, and plan on going to a lot of fetes.  Be prepared to spend $2500-$3000.  This of course is spread out through the year!

Helpful Links: 

Trinidad Carnival Diary is a MUST!  Any and every carnival question you can possibly have, will be answered on this site!

Trini Jungle Juice is also top priority!  You will find a review and pics for almost every fete during carnival.

Whew!  There is so much more to cover.  In my opinion these are the basics!  I will try and keep everyone posted about important dates and updates.  Good luck, and I hope to see you on the road!