DATES:

CARNIVAL MONDAY: FEBRUARY 24TH, 2020

CARNIVAL TUESDAY: FEBRUARY 25TH, 2020

As known, Trinidad & Tobago Carnival is one of the most attended and memorable carnivals in the world. Even though it generally occurs around the same time as other international festivals like Rio de Janeiro Carnival or Mardi Gras; it is a completely different experience. Carnival newbies and regulars both profess that Trinidad & Tobago is the Carnival of ALL Carnivals.

What Is Carnival? What is J’ouvert? What Is Soca? What Does It Mean To “Play Mas”? What Is A “Fête”?

@shannonbrittophotography This shot was taken on one of the main stages you cross during the parade called The Socadrome

Carnival, in essence, is a gigantic party in the streets. In Trinidad, different organizations (called bands) create unique parade experiences. Each band (Tribe, Harts, Bliss, Fantasy, etc.) creates their own costume theme, provides their own set of amenities, and has their own parade route. The price of your costume includes access to everything your band provides: meals, drinks, the band’s street party, security, restrooms, etc. On Carnival Monday and Tuesday, people from all over the world wear their costumes while dancing through the streets alongside trucks with DJs playing Soca music, a type of calypso originating in Trinidad, short for “Soul of Calypso”. “J’ouvert” is a derivation of the French phrase jour ouvert, meaning day break or day opening, and signals the start of Carnival early on Monday morning. “Playing mas” is short for masquerading, or wearing a costume, and a “fete” is a party.

So let’s get into it.

Plan to visit within a week of Carnival Monday. I would recommend to come between February 19 - February 26, 2020 to get the most out of the experience (if your job permits). You will have time to not only go on THE ROAD for Monday and Tuesday but also immerse yourself in different aspects of the season by attended fetes (n: a party), panorama (n: an annual music competition of steelbands from different regions in Trinidad & Tobago), beaches and more.

STEP 1: FLIGHT

The international airport is the Piacro International Airport (POS). I would recommend buying flights before band launch to avoid paying an outrageous amount for airfare that can spike to a minimum of $1000+ (roundtrip) and avoid the annoying layovers. An affordable flight should be around $500-$700 (roundtrip) if you get lucky.

Ps: Sometimes flights decrease between October and December but it is not guaranteed so buying earlier is always more recommended.

STEP 2: STAY

Finding a convenient place (in Port of Spain) to stay is extremely crucial when planning. It will ensure that you will be nearby all events which makes it super accessible to get around if you're not a native. Most carnival goers book their hotel/guest room by March/April as hotels are in high demand by so many visitors fly in. In fact, if you have already passed the recommended time to book your stay, you can subject yourself to paying $450+ a night.

PS: Find yourself some genuine friends from Trinidad so you can have a place to stay; one less thing to worry about.

HOTEL OPTIONS:

GUEST HOUSE OPTIONS:

Ps. Carnival concierge services like Carnival Jumpers and The Carnival Connection can make the hunt easier with packages that include your accommodations, transportation, fete tickets and much more.

STEP 3: TRANSPORTATION

There is no shortage of drivers for hire in Trinidad during carnival season. Once you exit the terminal at POS, there will be a myriad of drivers waiting to transport people to their accommodations. Taxis are not metered; therefore confirm your fare with the driver in advance. Carnival-goers can secure a driver(s) during their stay so they can have a go-to arrangement to take them from one fete to the next. Chat up your taxi driver and see if they’d be willing to offer this service to you. Another option would be the use of rideshare apps such as Drop TT and TT RideShare.

Ps. It is discouraged to rent a car during Trinidad Carnival if you are new and unaware of the pace your body will endure. Between the constant traffic, driving on the left, and the limited amount of sleep you’ll be getting, it’s a recipe for disaster so find a driver with a group of friends for a cheaper options and stay within a popular area that is near most events.

STEP 4: WHICH BAND TO PLAY MAS WITH?

@carnivaltribe This is what is expected for a Frontline costume.

There are a variety of different bands that you can register to play Mas with in Trinidad & Tobago. While you can visit without participating in a band on the road for Carnival Monday and Tuesday, if you want to get the full experience, you can should purchase a Monday wear and a Carnival Tuesday costume.

Ps. No, you cannot make or wear your own costume to participate.

Costumes are revealed at the highly anticipated Band Launch in July/August. There are typically two versions of a costume: Frontline and Backline.

Frontline costumes are grand, and typically what we imagine of carnival. It may have an elaborate feathered back piece (aka wings), feathered arm and leg bands, a large headpiece/crown, and a bejeweled bodysuit/bikini. (The pro: it’s the carnival costume of your dreams, the con: it’s the most expensive option, and it may be heavier/harder to navigate the roads with)

Backline costumes are a paired down version of frontline, with a smaller back piece, a smaller headpiece, and a bejeweled bodysuit/bikini. (The pro: it’s the least expensive option, and much easier to wear all day, the con: not as elaborate as the frontline costumes.)

Ps: Both versions of the costume are customizable, for example: there are different one-piece/bikini styles, varying headpiece sizes, and arm/leg feather band options available.

@carnivaltribe This was my section Livia which was designed by @samanthaammon (on the right)

Here is a list of all 2020 Trinidad Carnival Bands:

What you get for the price of your costume?

While costume prices may shock the newbies as they can range from $500 to $2000 USD , you get bang for your buck. Over the two days of carnival you get other services throughout your experience:

Your costume
Unlimited top shelf alcohol
A good-bag (with sunglasses, sunscreen, makeup, cup, and other “on the road” essentials
Meals and snacks
Extraction team and security
Medical aid and ambulance services
After party
Mobile Restrooms
Amenities such as a cool down zone, re-touch zone, glue on your gems station, massage station, and more.

How, When, And What Do I Register For?

You MUST register with a band and section in order to play mas. Costume registration typically begins in August, and I suggest purchasing your costume on the first hour of the first day registration begins. Scheduled payment options are available where you can pay a downpayment first and pay the rest upon arrival (this is better because if you can no longer make the trip you can resell your costume HERE and have the new owner pay the remaining balance).

What Is The Difference Between Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday?

Carnival Monday feels like a dress rehearsal of Carnival Tuesday. Everything is the same (same trucks, same music, same route, same people!), with the exception that on Monday, you will wear your “Monday Wear”, and on Tuesday, you will wear the costume you purchased.

What is Monday Wear?

On Monday you can wear whatever you want! Just don't be boring. A Monday Wear is an entirely separate look; a full individual costume sometimes, with all the feathers and embellishments. Some people may even wear a fancy monokini or purchase one from a designer.

If you want to purchase a Monday wear here is a list of designers you can buy from.

@_mariecollette_ Monday Wear 2019 Collection

What Can I Do To Prepare?

Now that you’ve selected your band, purchased your costume, and booked your flight/accommodation, you now have two missions before you’re ready for Carnival:

1.) Hit the gym. Carnival is a marathon. There is no room for self-doubt, body image concerns, or low self-esteem! Everyone of all shapes and sizes are on the road, having the time of their life! It’s a time of celebration, a time purely dedicated to happiness, joy, and lots and lots of dancing – so hit the gym, look and feel good, and get ready to dance!

2.) Learn the music. Soca hits begin releasing as early as November – look for songs by Kes, Kerwin Du Bois, Erphaan Alves and Machel Montano, etc. Spotify makes it incredibly easy to keep up with songs by constantly updating their Trinidad Carnival Soca Playlist – that was my life saver! Familiarity with the songs will make your carnival experience a million times better – trust me! It’s way more fun when your whole group arrives already knowing the lyrics, the rhythm, and the dances!

STEP 5: PLANNING FETES TO ATTEND

@candycoatedexperiences Me and my friend Neeks fetin’

Fetes happen all through February and after Carnival Monday and Tuesday. You should look out for the fete schedule calendar HERE (it usually comes out in October/November). You will want to buy tickets as soon as you and your group make a schedule of which parties you’ll want to attend. Some parties are harder to get tickets to and sell out within minutes/days (Usually hosted by Tribe, Caesar’s Army, Candy Coated, Private Ryan and Scorch).

STEP 6: PICKING A J’OUVERT BAND

@jouvertjumbeez — I am a part of their committee so if you are interested in playing jouvert with us just reach out to me or use my name on the registration site.

J’ouvert, the official start of the Carnival. I love J'ouvert! There is something special and welcoming about throwing paint on a stranger and them finding joy in it. J'ouvert takes place in the early hours of Carnival Monday (2AM) and you can expect to get smacked in the face - everywhere really - with paint, powder, mud, chocolate, water, clay...you name it! Separate from mas bands, there are J'ouvert bands that cater specifically to that experience. Their packages typically include a pre-party, drinks to your heart's desire, food, a swag bag and more perks.

Here is a list of the best J’ouvert Bands:

TIPS FOR OVERALL SURVIVAL

Tips While On The Road Monday And Tuesday:

– Wristbands: Put your wristband on Sunday night and don’t take it off until Wednesday!

– Walk With Your Cup: Always bring your cup with you!

– Drink Carts: Get your drinks whenever you see the bar carts available, as they tend to disappear throughout the route.

– Stay Hydrated: The road is HOT!! Please remember you are in a tropical environment performing high cardio, and it is extremely easy to become dehydrated! Drink at least 2 cups of coconut or regular water per 1 alcoholic drink, and ensure your besties are doing the same.

– Select A Meeting Point: It’s inevitable to lose someone during the day. Create an obvious meeting point, such as truck #2.

– Lunch: You will get an hour for lunch, use that time to rest your feet and/or take a quick cat nap!

– Sunscreen: Sunscreen up thoroughly, both days!

– Costumes: If your costume happens to snap, don’t stress out! Enjoy the moment and continue to have a wonderful experience!

Tips for Carnival Monday:

– Shoes: Wear your most comfortable shoes on Monday.

– Bags: Match a fanny pack to your outfit to hold the essentials: room key, cellphone, and sunscreen.

– Sunscreen: Lather yourself with sunscreen all day long (especially your shoulders). More than likely your Tuesday costume will be of a different style, and you don’t want tan lines from your Monday Wear.

Tips for Carnival Tuesday:

– Take Off Your Wings: The back piece may begin to hurt/bruise/chafe your shoulders after awhile. The good news is, you don’t have to wear your backpack/wings all day long. Bands will tag your wings and hang them on the truck for you to collect later on that evening. (After you pass the stage of course!)

COOL DOWN

Once carnival is done, if you have time before you leave feel free to check out the island and/or take a quick plane ride/ferry to Tobago to unwind.

If you’re planning on visiting Tobago after the parade on Tuesday, you should definitely buy this flight or ferry ticket before arriving to Trinidad as it is usually sold out because of carnival season.

Make sure to check out the beaches, eat doubles and roti and enjoy the cool caribbean breeze of the beautiful twin island of Trinidad & Tobago.

Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2020 Guide