Carnival Monday -- Pretty Mas
By noon on Carnival Monday, streets are once again flooded by a massive costumed band of "Pretty Mas" players with riotous color. What follows are 8 hours of the most organized chaos in the world.
Imagine if you will, many simultaneous parties roaming freely around the city, each with its own music, costumes, bars and security. While not yet at full force, this tide of humanity floats along the asphalt rivers of Port-of-Spain's streets, like colonies of ants protecting their queens, seemingly magnetized to flatbed trucks crammed with gigantic speaker systems.
A cast of thousands take to the street "jumping up" and "wining" (gyrating of the hips) to the sound of soca blaring from speakers piled on music trucks. The excitement is at fever pitch, but Carnival Monday is only a "warm-up" for Carnival Tuesday.
Carnival Monday Tips
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Don't Wear Your Full Costume -
Most revelers wear only basic parts of their costumes on Carnival Monday. In fact, many bands particularly ask that you not wear your headpiece.
Tuesday is the big day when costumes are worn in full and bands judged. Bandleaders prefer their creations to be at their best for this competition. Monday is a day to have fun... relax, enjoy yourself.
- Protect Your Skin
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Sunscreen is the single most importation preparation for Carnival days, especially for those not accustomed to spending long periods in the sun; most of us in other words.
The Caribbean sun can be very damaging, so protect yourself.
- Stay Hydrated
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You'll be partying in the sun for 8 hours on Monday. Stay hydrated. Drink lots of cold fluids. Whether you consume alcohol or not, your body is going to be crying out for water.
Some bands provide "Mist Zones", which revelers use during the hottest part of the day, between 12 noon and 4 pm. It's a quick, easy way to cool down, a bit like taking a refreshing dip in the sea when you are at the beach.
