Someone on Tiktok had asked me “Can you do a carnival essentials list?”
Absolutely! I remember packing for my first carnival -literally going crazy anticipating what could happen and what items I would need. Keep reading for a comprehensive list of items you can sort through as you get ready to attend a Caribbean carnival whether in the Caribbean or elsewhere.
Packing List For Carnival
There are a lot of important things you should pack for carnival including your travel documents, personal items, clothing, accessories like jewelry (statement rings) and intimates/underwear. A lot of the time, if you’re new to carnival, there are some things a lot people don’t think of to pack when going to a Caribbean carnival. TIP: Photocopy and print out items like your passport, identification cards (i.e green card, work authorization card, driver’s license) as well as costume registration receipts/emails, fete tickets, accommodation receipts etc or even directions to get to costume pick up, accommodations. I also think walking with a written or printed list of emergency numbers is a great safety measure just in case.
ITEMS ESSENTIAL TO CARNIVAL
*Note- I have linked all my favorite items that I use not only during carnival but on a day to day basis with affiliate links from my favorite stores with no extra cost to you. However, I do earn a commission on any item you choose to purchase from this list. :)*
- Fete outfits/accessories
- Carnival Stockings (use BAHAMIANISTA2023 for 10% off your purchase)
- Carnival Shoes
- Sewing Kit
- Scissors
- Pouch/Bag (use BAHAMIANISTA2023 for 10% off your purchase)
- Glue Gun & Glue Sticks or E-6000
- Disposable Masks / Multi Use Masks
TOILETRIES/GROOMING AIDES
- Sunscreen (for body/face) –check out some of my skin & body faves here.
- Poopouri or fragrant toilet spray (great for sharing accommodations)
- Wipes
- Body Oil
- Soap/Body Wash
- Deodorant
- Body Spray (regular and/or travel size)
- Perfume/ Scented Oils
- Facial Products
- Hair Products
- Shower caps (regular and/or xlarge)
- Extra Rolls of Toilet Paper (for large groups)
- Pantiliners, Tampons, Sanitary Pads
- Baby Oil
- Vaseline
- Compact mirror
- Makeup
- Blotting paper
ELECTRONICS/ACCESSORIES
- Mobile Phone
- Portable Mobile Charger
- GoPro
- Camera (see small vlog camera here and here)
- Portable Tripod Mount + Selfie Stick (for phone)
- Portable Tripod Mount (for camera)
- Waterproof Phone Case
For international carnivals/travel, if you have an unlocked phone or an older phone out of use (I have two); you can use that as a means to insert a sim-card and as a main means of contact. Over the years, I’ve learned that using my main mobile device can be a bit risky if there’s water damage or it gets lost or stolen.
HEALTH
- Small First Aid Kit
- Health aides (asthma pump, allergy medication)
- Benadryl
- Medical ID bracelet (if you have allergies or pre-existing condition)
- Headache/migraine/cramps medication
- Vitamins (B-12 complex)
- Tums
- Clorox Wipes
- All methods of birth control
MISCELLANEOUS/AS NEEDED
- Garment Bag (to carry large feathered backpack home)
- Gel insoles
- Ball of foot cushions (heeled boots)
- Sealable Plastic Bags
- Trash Bags (for j’ouvert)
- Plastic Shopping Bags
- Exfoliating Glove (post J’ouvert/carnival)
Carnival Essentials You Need In A Fete
Just think about it, you will be outside for an extended period of time. So its your skin/body against the elements. Personally, for me I don’t go to a fete unless I have my portable charger, wipes, someway to keep cool because sweat is inevitable and I definitely bring body spray to freshen up.
- Mini Sunscreen
- Portable Fan
- Hand Fan
- Portable Charger
- Camera or Phone
- Sunglasses
- Hat (if necessary)
- Wipes
- Body Spray
- Medical bracelet if necessary
Carnival Essentials For The Road
Depending on the type of J’ouvert you may need all of the following listed but the essentials are definitely baby oil to prep the skin so you can remove the paint/powder/oil/mud/clay a lot easier after J’ouvert; and a water proof case so your phone won’t get wet as well as a mask & sunglasses to avoid powder or paint in your eyes or mouth. You’ll definitely need to cover your hair as well. Personally for me, I wear long braids or I’ll wear my natural hair (medium length locs) so I need either an xlarge shower cap or something else to cover my hair before wrapping it. I’ve also used large t-shirts and grocery store plastic bags as well prior to wrapping my hair or putting a hat on. Its recommended to cover your hair but if you’re not worried and can wash out the elements in an adequate amount of time, often a dad hat will work. TIP: To clean oil off the body, I’ve used dish washing soap like Dawn or even opted for cheap detergent (however this can depend on your skin type so I recommend Dawn) and an exfoliating glove works wonders.
J’OUVERT
- Baby Oil
- Vaseline
- Waterproof Case
- Go Pro
- Dish washing liquid or detergent (to break up oil)
- Fanny Pack or Pouch
- Wipes
- Medical bracelet (if necessary)
- Emergency money
- Bandana mask
- Sunglasses
- Dad hat or hat of choice
ON THE ROAD FOR CARNIVAL
On carnival day (which is typically an all day affair), you should have your wristband, costume, stockings, carnival shoes, carnival essentials that can fit in your carnival bag or pouch. Personally, I will not go on the road without feminine wipes, my portable charger/regular charger, emergency money, body spray, sunglasses, a plastic bag of a few clorox wipes, keys, and lipgloss etc.
- Carnival bag/pouch
- Phone charger
- Portable charger
- Waterproof case
- Sunglasses
- Disposable Masks
- Hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes
- Keys (car, hotel/Airbnb)
- Emergency money
- Extra mask (s)
- Tampons/pantiliners/pads
- Benadryl
- Tums
- Body Spray
- Headache medication
- Medical ID bracelet (if you have allergies)
- List of emergency contacts (written)
- Compact mirror
- Lipgloss/lipstick
- Makeup sponge
- Blotting paper
- Small rag
- Portable fan
TIP: Put emergency list of numbers in a pocket or attach to your costume or shoes just in case you lose your bag.
Places I Shop For Carnival Essentials
So here are my go-to stores for carnival essentials, let me know in the comments where you all shop and if you have any specific things you take with you on the road.
- Amazon; check out my Amazon storefront where I organize my carnival essentials and inspo
- Carnivalista (for all carnival accessories – use code BAHAMIANISTA2023 for 10% off)
- Sephora
- Target
- Ulta
- Walmart
