Kick off Carnival with J'Ouvert
Each year at 4 am on Monday, Carnival begins under a cloak of darkness. Fuelled by exhilaration and the energetic rhythms of soca music, revellers take to the streets for the predawn party of J'Ouvert.
J'Ouvert (from the French 'jour ouvert' or 'day open') is almost ritualistic in its celebration of the darker elements of the island's folklore and history. Bathed in chocolate, mud, oil and paint, bands of revellers depict devils, demons, monsters and imps.
Choose your medium of expression; J'Ouvert is a time for loosening of inhibitions, and it is customary that no-one is left clean during J’ouvert.
The tradition began in the eastern Caribbean around the time that slavery was abolished in the 1830s – although the concept of carnival had existed there for about 50 years longer, with Trinidadian slaves who were banned from attending their French masters’ masquerade balls choosing to organise their own entertainment in their backyards.
Jouvert Tips
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Before You Dress -
Do like the pros and apply a light coating of baby oil to your entire body. This will help you clean up afterward and prevent the pigments in the various body paints from getting into your pores.
Complete your Jouvert costume with comfortable apparel, including underwear, that can be thrown away if stained.
- Bring Only the Essentials
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The less you have to worry about, on Jouvert Morning, the more fun you'll have.
Most Trinidadians leave their jewelry at home during Carnival, we follow their example, and you may want to do the same. You may also want to leave your camera at home if you are playing in a Jouvert band and don't want your camera to get dirty.
- Returning to the Hotel After Jouvert
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Make prior transportation arrangements.
You are likely to be dirty and taxis will not want to pick you up. Trinidad hotels will likely not appreciate you walking through their lobby if you are extremely dirty.
So again, be prepared, check with the desk prior to playing mas on Jouvert Morning, the hotel will be able to advise as to the easiest way for you to clean up before going to your room.
