Photo credit: Trini Jungle Juice

It’s usually just after you post a carnival pic in your costume that someone always messages to tell you ‘I want to come with you to Trinidad Carnival’, and if you are a true carnivalian the same thought crosses all our mind. Trinidad is NO joke.

Now if you’ve never done carnival in Notting Hill then I personally feel like you should probably start with that first then make your way up. Like Meek Mill says ‘its levels to this’.

If you are truly into carnival and soca music going to Trinidad carnival is the thing you dream of but know there is a significant difference with Trinidad and Notting Hill carnival so here are a few points to stop you looking foreign when you touch down.

Trinidad Carnival Tuesday

1. Mas costs MONEY

Please remember when planning for Trinidad if you want to play mas in a well-known band then it will set you back a fair bit. A backline (usually bikini with tiara) will cost you between £400-£500. Please do not embarrass yourself by reacting to the price, I really have to express that this the norm in Trinidad, either pay it or find a cheaper medium band alternative.

2. Fetes

You could pay anything from £20 to £130 for a fete. When you and your crew have booked your flights and accomodation the next thing is to work out whether you doing this holiday #teamboojie or #teamvagabond. This will determine the type of fetes and the budget you will spend. I really recommend you do most things all inclusive as you can eat and drink as much as you want and you don’t have to worry about bringing out a set of money. Its also a more euphoric experience, when production teams put on fetes in Trinidad they really do tend to go all out, its definitely something you’d want to experience.

3. Outfits

Lord knows I need people to read this carefully. If you are going to fete in trinidad please do not go dressing like a UK fete. Make an effort, trust me you don’t want to be mistaken for a vagrant.

4. Alcohol

With most events and carnival day being all inclusive it is easy to bring yourself to a very drunk state very easily. Trust me when I say the heat and alcohol will be the end of you. Take time, and pace yourself, you want to remember your nights you paid enough money for them.

5. The people

As much as I do love my fellow countrymen I do have to warn you. Expect a pinch of stoosh behaviour with everything. Being from a UK scene perspective we are fortunate to have a massive blend of different islands but when you touch down in Piarco you’ll know what I mean.

Photo credit: gotrinidadandtobago.com

6. The history

I know when you go to somewhere to predominantly party you forget about the day time as that is the new time to sleep. You have no idea how beautiful Trinidad is and what an amazing history it has, you owe it to yourself to see as much of it as you can.

7. Customer service

Have you ever been to a Caribbean food shop and had that dread faced service… I’m sorry to say but in most places you will receive this service. Try not to let it dampen your experience. It’s not personal… well atleast I hope not.

8. The transport

Try and sort yourself out with a driver. Or if you get a nice taxi man get his number and maybe make him a regular call when going out. Taxis are tough sport in Trinidad, as in fighting at the taxi stand is regular thing.

Photo credit: www.injoytours.com

9. Pan yards

Pan yards are hidden gems for people that come to fete or play mas. One the vibe is a level to none, some of the best night have been in the pan yard. Its the perfect setting for a crew wanting to enjoy each others company, some beautiful pan rhythms and a drink or two or six.

10. Hearing Soca in places you normally wouldn’t.

When you first hit Massy (formally known as Hi Lo) and hear your tune playing and want to whine down in the frozen foods section. Or you hit the bank trying to draw out money without chipping at the cash machine. You will pretty much hear it everywhere when its the carnival season, so much so that when you hear another genre you’ll be so confused. However don’t be stupid Trini’s do listen to many other genres so don’t push up your face when Hip Hop plays.

These are my 10 pointers to Trinidad Carnival. Feel free to let me know what your pointers are in the comment area below (there are much more than 10).