So you’re going to carnival for the first time… picking out your carnival costumes and outfits can be a task if you don’t understand the ins and outs. However, because the carnival is rooted in resistance and masquerade takes on all forms…
These are guidelines but understand there ARE NO RULES when it comes to carnival costumes and outfits. From your choice of gold earrings to the shoes you wear on carnival day – plz AH BEG stay true to yourself. After all, this is MASQUERADE.Â
CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL COSTUMES
The Caribbean carnival is a lot more commercialized today than it was in previous years so your standard costume tends to look just like “bikinis and beads” and a backpack of feathers. Note: This is what you wear to the MAIN Parade. Some carnivals have 1 day of parades and some have 2 days. Â Costumes are typically launched from mas bands or troupes annually and usually 4-7 months prior to the main carnival week. Each individual band will choose a theme and then create sections that stem from that theme. Sections can number from 3 and up depending on the size of the band/troupe.
You have several variations of costumes and what is offered depends on the carnival destination and the band or troupe:
- Backline
- Frontline
- Ultra Frontline
- Individual
- Male Option
- T-shirt Option
CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL OUTFITS
Just FYI Caribbean people don’t call costumes – “outfits”. But if you are looking for outfits to wear to Caribbean events and parties, here are some general tips to plan by. There are several types of events outside of the MAIN PARADE of costumes. So let’s break down each one.
JOUVERT
It’s not categorized as a party although there are jouvert-themed parties or events. J’ouvert is a national celebration – the word itself means “break of day”. It symbolizes the start or commencing of carnival events and is rooted in resistance from slavery (read Canboulay Riots). Carnival in its totality is a form of RESISTANCE.
For Jouvert or some Caribbean countries dub it “Dutty Mas” – wear what you want! The rule of thumb is clothes and shoes you don’t care about that you can throw away later because you will get messy. Some people like to get sexy or creative.
ALL INCLUSIVE PARTY
An all inclusive party usually is an all day or early morning affair (think breakfast party for an example). These are your more dressier events because the ticket price is usually up there as it will include food and drink amongst other things for the entire event.
COOLER FETE
These events are a bit more casual. You can bring in your own coolers, drinks and it tends to be more of a relaxed vibe.
CONCERT
Concerts can be a mixture of outfits but one thing for sure is go to dance and go comfortable. You can definitely mix and match your style with a matching set, shorts and top, dress and comfortable flats.
BOAT RIDE
If it’s on the water then go like you’re headed to the beach. Most times people will wear a nice cover up over their swimsuit, comfortable sandals, sunglasses, a cute beach tote … it really just depends.
BEACH PARTY
Same thing goes, if it says beach. Then prepare like you’re going to the beach. And lots of sunscreen.
THEMED EVENTS
If you’ve ever heard of events like Soca Brainwash, Pinknic then this would be great examples of a themed event. They typically follow either a color or a certain theme (think ComicCon) and everyone typically will follow that theme. This also applies to fete galas too – and more times than usual; the promoter will advertise the dress code so that you’re not confused as to what to wear.
GENERAL TIPS
It’s going to be hot, so choose loose, light fabrics. It’s carnival so opt for more vibrant colors, prints and patterns. Wear comfortable shoes, flats preferably. You’ll definitely need sunglasses, hats as well.
