Your Tampa Bestie

Are you ready for the ultimate travel experience? Look no further than Trinidad Carnival, the “Greatest Show on Earth”! This month-long celebration of music, dance, and culture takes place every February in Port of Spain, Trinidad. From the eye-catching costumes to the lively rhythms, Trinidad Carnival is a feast for the senses. But it’s not just about the partying – it’s also a time to connect with the country’s rich history and culture. I will share tips on how to navigate this festival as a tourist, including where to stay, what to eat, and how to party like a local. So join me on this exciting journey as we explore the world of Trinidad carnival and celebrate life, love, and culture in the most vibrant way possible!

My name is Jasmine and I traveled all over the world but last year in 2022, I decided to go to Trinidad carnival for the FIRST time and I cannot believe that I was so late to the game. So, if you haven’t been to carnival and are curious about whether you should book that flight, keep reading! I barely made it through Trinidad Carnival but I’m here to tell you my mistakes so you can be fully prepared for Trinidad Carnival. It is HOT! The back of my phone stand melted off my case. So lets start with what you NEED to KNOW.

Before you go to Trinidad Carnival next year, here are the top things you need to know:

1. Language: The language spoken is English, but with a Trinidadian/West Indian accent.
2. Currency: $1USD will get you about 6.80 Trinidadian dollars, but this may fluctuate a bit.
3. Playing Mas: If you want to participate in the parade, you must join a masquerade band, wear their costumes, and dance through the streets with your chosen band. Choose wisely as the smaller bands tend to be more affordable because they are offering less of an experience.
4. Choosing a Mas Band: Some mas bands are all-inclusive and provide not just costumes but also food, drinks, bathrooms, security, and medical services.
5. Dance Moves: Wining is a form of dancing that involves gyrating your hips in a suggestive manner. It is a common dance move during carnival.
6. J’ouvert: J’ouvert takes place in the early hours of Carnival Monday before sunrise. You will NOT sleep. Please be prepared to get hit with flour, paint, mud, water, and clay. In your hair, face etc. Most women cover their hair to protect it. I’d suggest you do the same. This is a liberating street party that originated in Trinidad and Tobago so respect the culture and enjoy the playfulness of it.
7. Parties: Fetes are the parties held during carnival and are the highlight of the festivities. There are many different types of fetes, from fancy ones at five-star hotels to ones where you bring your own drinks. The tickets for these events can be expensive, with some tickets being in high demand and costing around $400.
8. Street Food: Carnival is a great opportunity to try the incredible street food in Trinidad. There are many street vendors serving up delicious local cuisine. Be aware there may be long waits especially in the evening, so don’t wait until you are starving. I made that mistake several times and it does not help anyone.
9. Accommodation: The hot spot for hotels is in Port of Spain but unless you book in May the year before you will have no luck scoring that location. Even if you book it, the price per night will be astronomical. Consider booking accommodations further out in San Juan, Piarco, Chaguana, or Trincity for cheaper options.
10. Day Of: You MUST book a makeup artist for Tues. The Hilton Hotel hosts an event where you get access to makeup, hair services, photography and costume alterations. You will be there for HOURS so make sure you mentally prepare yourself. They will make sure there is food, drink and coffee so just enjoy the process because you will have Carnival tabanca. If you don’t know what it means, look it up!
11. Final Note: Carnival is a month-long celebration with numerous events and parties. Pace yourself and be prepared for long days and late nights with VERY little sleep.

Trinidad Carnival is a once in a lifetime experience that will change your life- this is not an exaggeration. It’s a unique and unforgettable celebration that ignites and unites the entire island for a month of exuberance, insomnia, and bacchanal. The events are rooted in a history that stretches back to the 1800s, when enslaved Africans created their own traditions of resistance and pride. Today, it’s a season that celebrates Trinidadian culture and history with a seemingly endless array of fetes, events and excitement. If you’re contemplating, going and made it to end of this, then book the trip! Be prepared for a lot of energy, little sleep, and so much fun. Remember to book as early as possible as fetes, hotels, costumes sell out quickly. There are so many other things I’d like to touch on to prepare you for Trinidad Carnival 2024 so this will be a series. What will be coming in part 2: must attend fetes, what to wear and where to get the best bake and shark on the island! If you have any questions, let me know in the comments.

XOXO Bestie