Top 10 Tips for Carnival in Jamaica This Weekend

By: Aaleyah Clarke | @jacarnivalist

Carnival in Jamaica is fast approaching, with the main road march happening this Sunday, April 16. Whether you're a first-time reveler or long-time 'feteran', here are some tips and guidelines to keep road march day a fun and comfortable experience for everyone.

1. Remember Your Sunscreen

Although a lot of us weren’t raised knowing we need sunscreen consistently, Carnival day will remind you that the Caribbean sun isn’t something to play with. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, and if you don’t have sunscreen aloe vera gel is a solid substitute

2. Dress Comfortably

Carnival is a whole day affair, so ensure what you’re wearing is not only comfortable for a full day of revelry, but also durable. We don’t need your shoes falling off mid-chip, or any clothes trying to cut off your blood circulation.

3. Stay vigilant

Although we’re all jumping within the ropes, remember we’ll still be on the roads of Kingston... Be aware of your surroundings while having fun, and keep your personal items close to you.

4. Pace Yourself

With your liquor and your chipping, like I said before, it’s a whole day affair you don’t need to be knocking back drink after drink and sprinting the entire duration. That's a recipe for disaster if I’ve ever seen one. Instead, chip at a decent pace, rest if you need to and always get in some water in between the copious amounts of liquor.

5. Learn the music

It’s 2023!!! It’s time to release Private Ryan’s 2015 mix and LEARN THE NEW MUSIC, there are a plethora of soca mixes out with attached track lists that can get you up-to-date in a matter of hours. Learning the music before jump up day will make the experience of hearing the songs on the road infinitely better, and I definitely recommend it. (Personally I’m hooked on DJ Jel’s 2023 Soca Takeover.)

6. Wear a Fanny Pack

You need a central place to put all your belongings. Invest in a durable fanny pack that will last you for seasons to come, 10 out of 10 times it’s always worth it.

7. Bring a Rag

It seems simple enough but a rag is essential for any soca related occasion, whether it’s to wave, wipe sweat or hide from the sun. It doesn’t hurt to walk with one.

8. Stay hydrated

It’s definitely repetitive, but yet again it’s a WHOLE DAY AFFAIR!!! You don’t want to be the person they call the ambulance to get before midday... Remember to drink water and stay hydrated.

9. Fetiquette

'Feteing etiquette' is simple: don’t stick to someone for a prolonged period of time, take your whine and keep it moving, and don’t go touching random people unnecessarily. Keep the fun respectable.

10. Be Prepared for a LONG day

Lastly, you know what I’m going to say, IT'S GONNA BE A LONG DAY. Before you start the day: do some warm up stretches, and, if you haven’t taken them already, start taking vitamins now, or even better, go take a Vitamin B shot. Put all the necessary steps in place to ensure this extra long day is not also draining you completely.