As I sit back and reflect on what it must be like for creatives in the Trinidad Carnival industry, I realize that they have very little downtime. Once band launches commence, it’s fete after fete after fete…straight through Ash Wednesday. Fortunately, this gives travelers plenty of options for either dabbling or drenching themselves in the spirit of the season.
In my opinion, there really is no wrong way to do Trinidad Carnival. In fact, I’m here to share five common ways to get down with the T&T get down. Choosing the ideal method (for you) depends entirely on YOUR calendar, YOUR profession and YOUR pockets. One thing is for certain though, if you plan to attend in 2020…haul yuh tail! You really don’t have that much time left bredda. Check the video!
The first time I went to Trinidad for carnival, I was simply floored by how much thought was put into each fete and road experience. They did not skimp on ANYT’ING! Every fete was a production…mas was MASSIVE…the events were nothing like the slackitty-slackness we witness here in the States. You might pay a hefty entry fee for a Trinidad fete, and you might owe a kidney (or two) to play in a mere backline costume, but you’ll certainly be getting your coins worth. And that says a lot coming from me…Ms. “Trinidad can miss me.”
As I mentioned earlier, there’s no wrong way to do Trinidad Carnival. However, if you’re a newbie, I personally think you MUST play mas the first time you go. Otherwise, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Go hard or go home for year one, then after that, feel free to join whatever team you want to conquer Trinidad Carnival your way.
If you’re behind in your planning, please check out the infographic below to get the ball rolling.
So, before I leave you. I want to know… if you’re touching down in Trinidad for 2020 which one of the following teams will you be on? Drop your comments below!
Stay beautiful! Be nice!
Sha
