Carnival “Fetiquette”

Many years ago, the fete scene was a very different format, where the all-inclusive genre was not as prevalent, and most of the Carnival fetes, were essentially of a standard fare – inexpensive, more inclusive, brass extravaganzas with little room for rules of behaviour. The advent of the all- inclusive genre has changed the overall look and feel of the fete, bringing with it, a unique set of social mores to be cognizant of,

The all-inclusive dress code has become one of the key areas for consideration. One can easily identify the increased effort put into styling oneself for these events, as a result of the many persons and groups, more concerned about imagery than perhaps the actual rationale for attending a Carnival fete. Regardless of the motivation for one’s styling, it is important to note, the objective for attending the fete,

Be very aware that your chosen style must be able to match your objective. In other words, if you are attending the fete to ‘jump and wave’, be sure to dress to facilitate your comfort! If, however, you are similar to me, and can very easily rock your Louboutins in any condition, then more power to you,

The all-inclusive fare can be enticing and encouraging. This includes the easily available and wide selection of alcohol, and exotic foods. If you are not familiar with a particular type of food, the event is NOT the place to sample. I recall attending an all-inclusive with a friend, whose ‘eyes were too wide’ as we say in our local parlance. She decided to get her money’s worth and sampled every form of exotic fare available. Within the first hour of the event, we were forced to depart because her stomach simply could not facilitate the unique food combinations. In similar vein, many persons utilize the all-inclusive concept to drink as much alcohol as they possibly can, many times forgetting a number of issues, such as driving after the event, alcohol poisoning, inebriation, loss of bodily functions, amongst many other alcohol-related outcomes. Simply, put, try not to overdo with the consumption of alcohol. Know your limits,

This point leads me to the matter of social media and the instant everything. Almost every action, reaction, and position is posted on social media, many times with or without our permission. As such, whilst feting encourages a level of freedom, it is always advisable to try as much as you can to ‘keep your head on’. All it takes is one compromising position, one drunken episode, one stumbling fall, a quick snap and post, and you are an instant discussion point,

The matter of security is one that we must take into consideration for every aspect of our lives, and particularly during this period. It is imperative to ensure that adequate security measures are implemented to ensure you can utilize your energies to enjoying your fete experience,

Simple measures such as trying not to attend events on your own, parking in a well-lit location, identifying your designated driver, trying not to leave the fetes after everyone else, letting someone you trust know where you will be, call someone to alert them when you are about the leave the event, and for the women, ‘pepper spray’ is not legal in Trinidad, however, we are a resourceful people. Give yourself a fighting chance. Enjoy your fete!