Tips For First Time Masqueraders (Part 1)

I decided to make this a two part series because it was just entirely too long for one post. I REALLY want you to be aware and prepared for your first time playing ah mas.

If you read my intro to this blog or any number of my posts on Instagram (@fluffycarnivalgyal) then you know I have made it no secret that my first carnival experience was borderline disastrous. It wasn’t complete disaster because: 1) I lived to type this 2) I was exposed to carnival 3) I learned so much and can share with you.

1. DO YOUR RESEARCH. I cannot emphasize just how crucial this is to your success. I was completely ignorant of carnival and all it entails. Literally all I knew was that I was going to Trinidad and needed a costume. That👏🏿 Is👏🏿All. I didn’t know the history of carnival, the purpose of carnival, what’s done at carnival… Like the only soca song I knew was Palance (I know, I know death to Palance😏) I remembered a Trinidadian coworker from a few years prior mentioning that he was going home for carnival and that it was a “carefree” time. In my mind new Caribbean island + beautiful costume + freedom = I need to be there. Do yourself a favor; talk to people who have been to carnivals, follow carnival related pages, read up on carnival and do all you can to learn about playing mas. Get recommendations on bands. Ignorance is definitely not bliss here.

2. KNOW THE COST.  This carnival lifestyle is not by any means cheap. The last thing you want is to buy a plane ticket or put down a non refundable deposit on a costume or room only to find out midway through your budget can’t handle it. I am no longer with the same bank, so I don’t have exact figures. However I can tell you with certainty I easily spent about $3,500 and possibly in excess of $4,000 during my first carnival. The cost depends on many factors, but the main determinant is where you’re playing. Example: my backline costume in Trinidad cost more than my ultra frontline costumes in Toronto. The accountant in me advises you have an account specifically for carnival.

3. DO EVERYTHING EARLY.  When I hear people say “Oh yeah I’m thinking about carnival” (specifically Trinidad) in August or later; I think you poor misguided soul. You needed to have made that decision months ago. Where are you staying? There aren’t a plethora of hotels. Also travel agencies, as well as experienced carnivalists, book a year or more in advance. Private residences such as Airbnbs also go fast because they are more economical. Which kidney are you selling for your plane ticket? I look at airfare to Trinidad and Grenada on a regular; just to compare the carnival season prices with the other months. I have seen airfare to Port of Spain from DCA for as low as $280 in months other than February and March. I have told many people “There is no shame in starting to plan for 2021 if 2020 is looking to complicated.” Don’t go play mas and come back to past due bills.

4. KNOW THE ROUTE AND THE DISTANCE. There is a huge difference between the route in Canada versus Miami versus Notting Hill versus Barbados versus Trinidad. I have actual 2019 routes and miles on my page. It goes from 3.5 miles to about a half marathon. I am very serious. Thirteen miles of dancing, sweating and alcohol. You need to be physically and mentally prepared. Again you’re an adult so no one is going to tell you to stop drinking. Pace yourself and for every alcoholic beverage have a water or powerade. Please know there is no shame in stepping out of the parade for a break.

5. WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. Why would I say something so obvious? Well last week someone, who’s clearly never played mas, told me she was going to design “dancer’s heels” for carnival and asked me if there was a market for them. 😑 Also I know a girl who played mas in heels… in Trinidad…yes that Trinidad… the entire parade. Let that sink in. What do you think happened after she jumped for 13 miles in heels? All ten of her toenails fell off. Her toenails said aight imma head out. I cannot make this up because I’m not that creative. The rest of her time was miserable as you can imagine. With two days of the road and non stop fetes, you need good sneakers/tennis shoes or boots with inserts. Look at Rihanna who actually plays mas, not any real housewife or Instagram model, what’s on her feet?

6. COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR SECTION LEADER. It is important that you clearly and honestly communicate with your section leader. Do all of this in writing and save all correspondence. This person can make or break your experience particularly when it comes to your costume. See my “5 Tips From a Section Leader” blog for more on this.

This is part one. Feel free to ask any questions or comment. Part two will be posted a week from today. Thank you for reading. Remember stop playing yourself and play ah mas. 💗