Written By: Candice Stewart
It’s chippin’ season. It’s a time for effervescent colours, feathers, bands, powder and lots of soca music! As a Caribbean people, we celebrate our creative expression by masquerading and dancing to the beat and rhythm of our music. Carnival is a fusion of art forms with social and political commentary. It welcomes participation from revelers and spectators alike. The experience is enthralling and invites visitors from around the world to jump and wave. The season calls for all day and night partying. Some say they are always ready but in truth, they’re not always properly prepared to fete!
Preparation is more than finding the appropriate clothes for the various parties. So, to make sure that you are on the right track, we prepared a checklist of the essentials:
Sunblock
If you’re a real reveller, you will be spending a lot of time partying in the sun and coverage is necessary. Sunblock with SPF potency of 30 or higher should do the trick. Use it throughout the day. If you get sun burnt, get some Aloe Vera gel and liberally apply on your skin.
Sun Visor
Sun block will not be enough so we recommend that you wear a sun visor to reduce the intensity of the sun on your face.
Sunshades
The glare of the sun will have a negative impact on your eyes. Get a pair of shades to protect them.
Insect repellent
Listen, mosquitoes and other insects will find all the exposed parts of your body and have a party. Get some bug spray and apply it.
Water, vitamins & fruit
Stay hydrated! Chippin’ up and down the road can be tiring and you will lose energy rapidly if you don’t replenish your supply. Water, vitamins C and B-12 will work wonders. You can also drink juices with lots of electrolytes
Cell Phone & portable charger:
You’ll want to stay charged to keep track of your friends and also to capture the day’s events. For water parties and jouvert, protect your phone and put it in a waterproof case.
Comfortable footwear & clothing
To have the best time in the fete, you have to achieve great levels of comfort. You can achieve that with comfy shoes and clothing. Also, get some gel insoles. Your feet will thank you for it.
Your Costume!
Get your costume early and make sure it fits well. You’ll want to look and feel great out on the road. Have a substitute outfit just in case.
Flags & rags
It is not carnival season if you don’t carry your flags and rags to pump, jump and wave.
Fete tickets
How else will you get into the fetes? Book your tickets and arm bands from early!
Fanny Pack
You’re going to need a lightweight bag to keep important items in. Pack light though. You don’t need to be weighed down.
IDs & cash
You never know what can happen while you’re out chippin’ at the fete. Always keep your ID and some cash on you.
So wah yuh say? Ready to join us on de road?
To read more. Grab our volume 10 #5 issue in stores now