The Rich Man's Carnival

When it comes to Carnival I have always been an eternal optimist especially when challenged with criticism that the celebration has become too commercialized and nothing resembling the grass roots celebration borne from slavery. In the face of protests against rising costume prices, allegations of classism, racism and elitism in Carnival I have defended the concept of a place and space for everyone arguing that you can still enjoy mas in a band that meets your budget or choose not to support expensive all inclusive fetes over the non inclusive. However today I am eating my words with a second helping of resignation that Carnival today is no longer everyone's Carnival but the rich man's Carnival after reading on the Trinidad Express that not only have prices for Panorama increased again for another year, but that even the man who is going on the "drag" (track area by the stage) will be charged a fee! The last bastion of freeness, a man being able to actually enjoy our national instrument supporting his band of choice and participating in Carnival is over.

I may be dating myself here by telling you that I remember the days when Panorama Preliminaries was free, that's right, the North Stand was a place where you went for the lime with the people and the Grand Stand was where they charged you to hang out with the bourgeoisie and officials. The year they started charging $20.00TT to enter the North Stand my friends and I developed a strategy to storm (get in for free) and storm we did for the following years until the fence got higher and the price reached $100.00TT; I guess when the President of the country no longer wanted to hang out in the Grand Stand and chose the North Stand instead it became "grand" and we got charged "grand" prices. In the last few years I have watched Panorama prices steadily increase for the preliminaries and semi finals , leading to a whopping $300.00TT entrance fee in 2010 if you choose the North Greens. The paddock stands are $260.00TT and the track will be between $60.00 to $80.00TT. Apparently the track will now boast stands and washrooms so I guess the public has to be charged for these amenities that should have been in place all along.

Going to Panorama Preliminaries will now cost you the price of an all inclusive fete if you choose to patronize one of the popular social outfit's "pan limes" that can run you an extra $250.00 to $400.00TT (excluding the cost of your ticket) to party with the likes of Red Ants, Cesar's Army or Insomniacs. This gets you a t shirt or tank top, drinks, food, snacks, a goody bag and your own rhythm section, depending on the lime, making what was once a bring your cooler and pot of pelau type of event into an all day all inclusive party affair. I have never subscribed to the philosophy of paying for a pan lime because I was never inclined to pay extra for food and drinks at Panorama when my friends and I could walk with our own for MUCH less. I am very much old school in that respect as Panorama for me was more about the pan and the people than about the party, because frankly the true pan lovers are not found in the North Stand.

It makes me feel very jaded that I have to admit the critics were right, it is all about money. I held no illusions on that fact but I still had hope that even the poorest lover of Carnival could still find something to enjoy that did not cost a cent or a television. Carnival 2010 we see no free concerts held in Woodford Square, the end of getting into Panorama free;what will 2011 and 2012 bring? Will they make Jouvert an affair for the Stadium and charge you to enter?And when the Carnival Centre gets built will you have to pay to view mas as well? No more spectator stands on the street? Sounds insane to think this way but  never would I have I believed that the man who sweats over pushing  the pan would be standing  outside the tracks for Panorama, while the rhythm section drowned out the sounds of steel in the exclusive all inclusive stands, and he will not be allowed in without a dollar in his pocket. 13 years ago I would never have thought it and look where we are today... a sobering preview of the future of Carnival in the 21st century and beyond. Carnival has become once again, the rich man's Carnival.

Answers To Your Frequently Asked Questions

As it gets closer to Carnival 2010 many people are finding their way to this blog in search of some bit of information or the other pertaining to their preparations and apart from emails I receive interesting web searches that lead them to the blog. People are looking for information on  "What Should U Bring to Carnival TT" to "What To Expect In Trinidad" to "What to Wear to an All inclusive Fete", all topics covered before and listed under the Carnival Tips and Advice section on the right of the blog. So here is a direct link to some of the more popular answers to your questions.

10 Commandments of a Backline B.A.B.E.

Carnival Check List

Carnival fetes - how to dress for the different types of fetes

Carnival Packing List

Carnival Tights - to wear or not to wear?

Carnival Virgin Survival Guide

Decorating Boots Yourself 1.0.1.

Fete Footwear

Frontline H.O. Commandments

Grooming Tips For Men

Hairstyle and hair care tips

How to Clean and Protect Your Costume

How to Spray Paint Suede Boots

How to water/sweat proof your makeup

How to waterproof costume feathers

Makeup tips for Carnival

Mas Footwear

Monday Wear Ideas

New to playing mas, what to expect

Prevention tips from feet blisters and body chafing

Where to buy boots online?

Where to find body glitter?

Image Nation Savannah Party

Though there were some hiccups getting online since the band launch last year,  Image Nation's Carnival 2010 presentation "Savannah Party" can now be viewed on their website.

And I am  happy to see that once again the band is steering away from bikini and beads, wish more bands could also add a diversity and mix to the Carnival landscape.

Fete Promoters Worried About Beyonce

With TSTT being one of the biggest sponsors of Trinidad Carnival events and artistes it seems like the Beyonce Concert is causing some strife among Carnival stakeholders even though TSTT is saying that they will continue to support Carnival with millions of dollars in sponsorship. TSTT is a major sponsor of " Kings and Queens preliminaries and semi-finals, Dimanche Gras, Panorama, Champs in Concert, the International Soca Monarch and the Chutney Soca Monarch competitions, bmobile Soca School Tour and carnival band Island People. They also sponsor over 25 fetes and all-inclusive parties which include Trinity College’s Soka in Moka, QRC’s all-inclusive Outta de Blue, Island People’s Amnesia, UWI’s annual all-inclusive, Bacchanal Friday (Bazodee Friday) and the Central Bank all-inclusive."

As reported in today's Trinidad Express (full article HERE):

Don’t bring Beyonce to Trinidad and Tobago now.

That’s the cry of fete and Carnival show promoters as well as panmen and calypsonians who are also calling on TSTT CEO, Roberto Peon, to explain what is the company’s intention towards Carnival 2010 and beyond in light of the concert featuring the American R&B singer immediately after Carnival on Thursday, February 18.

The concerned parties are today delivering a petition to Peon requesting a meeting with him signed by among others, promoter Frank Martineau, mas bandleaders Big Mike Antoine and Ronnie MacIntosh, Trinbago Unified Calypsonians Organisation general secretary Lutalo ’Brother Resistance’ Masimba and former CEO of the Caribbean Prestige Foundation, Gregory Fernandes, who is spearheading the move to secure the sitdown......

’We have nothing against Beyonce. We are just saying that it is insensitive to bring her at this time. It will affect all Carnival stakeholders because you know it’s not just a case of people forgoing fetes and shows to buy tickets. What about those who depend on Carnival to earn income? No patrons at events or no events mean that all service providers are out of a dollar.

Now, I do not know about the general public and how they feel about the massive amount of money TSTT has always doled out to support Carnival but fete promoters especially ticked me off with their complaints about the Beyonce concert especially when I see fetes listed under TSTT Sponsorship that have raised their prices for Carnival 2010. Is TSTT to be the ONLY sponsor of all these fetes  every single year for Carnival, and untop of that fete promoters want to jack up the prices as well? I am still wondering why the price increase for so many fetes when they no longer have to pay HD price for the HD band as Machel is taking a backseat this year. As we say in  Trinidad, "they well boldface!" worrying about their cash cow getting milked. Where are the other corporate sponsors?

One point of view is that tax payers' dollars are being used for the 10 million dollar concert as the Government has a 51% share holding in TSTT. As a tax payer I want to know why my tax dollars are being used to sponsor all inclusive fetes! I have no problem with the sponsorship of Bmobile School Tours or Dimanche Gras or even Panorama as the Government already puts a lot of money into these events that do not turn a profit, however if you want to argue about spending tax payers' money also argue when fete promoters and band leaders are sitting pretty after Carnival driving their new Benz courtesy TSTT.

Maybe people would NOT be inclined to buy tickets to Beyonce's concert or might be able to afford both the ticket and fete tickets if the prices of fetes were not so expensive! I for one never even considered the Beyonce Concert as an event I would attend BUT as per my post yesterday I have been thinking of which fetes would make the list this year. The other thing fete promoters fail to realize is that a great percentage of Trinidadians do not play mas or even participate in feteing for Carnival, so there is a market for the concert that will not even cut into the market of Carnival enthusiasts.  Instead of complaining about a concert that will go on, fete promotes should take the sponsorship money they are getting from TSTT and try to keep their fetes affordable for the persons who do participate in Carnival. A more worthwhile protest for me would be against the the prices of fetes... one can dream right?!

This Is Not a Fete in Here, This Is Madness!

Never before have the prices of fetes been such an issue among my group of feteing friends, so much so that they are putting limits on how many and which fetes they are attending for Carnival 2010.The major concern is being able to afford the fetes, playing mas and surviving post Carnival as all inclusive ticket prices for fetes seem to be within the $500.00-$700.00TT range as a norm, not an exception! Non inclusive fetes are now being thought about as the middle ground option, as ticket prices for these events, such as TRIBE ICE and Wicked in White seem to be the only affordable fetes for fete goers.

I will admit that when it comes to Carnival fetes I am not the type that has to go to every event, every weekend, as long as I am playing mas if I go to three fetes for the season I go to plenty, and I tend to prefer going to fetes later in the season as Carnival nears. When I was younger my Carnival week line up kicked off with Jamboree, followed by Eyes Wide Shut, then Bacchanal Wednesday, Trini Posse/Insomnia and Mania to top it off. All non inclusive events that did not break the pocket. I would go to one or two all inclusives in January, and of course Panorama Prelims was a must. As I got older I became more selective with my fetes choosing more all inclusives over the line up on Carnival week, example Beach House was now added to the agenda.

For Carnival 2010 however I have now decided that I am only going to possibly two fetes, one in January and one in February, Panorama Prelims/Semis not withstanding. The fact is that it would be unconscionable to think of just how much money I will be spending to afford two costumes, all the extra accessories as well as fete tickets multiplied by two; as much as I love Carnival it is not going to make me broke come March and lots of my friends have expressed the same sentiment.

With those of you landing Carnival week the sentiment might be different, as a visitor and Carnival being a vacation of sorts you want to do as much as possible in the limited time you are spending on the island. This is the reason that fete prices will go up for the "must attend" events and scalpers make a mint even though when  you go to every single fete Carnival week you basically see the same people and hear the same bands perform the same routine!

So, simple question to all of those planning your fete schedule; are the fete ticket prices affecting which events you plan on attending? How many fetes for sure you will be going to this season and if you could only pick ONE fete to go to which would it be?

For the record not all fete prices have gone up for 2010, St Francois All Inclusive is actually less than last year at $375.00TT,Old Hilarians All Inclusive is the same 2009 price at $650.00TT, as well as  AWOL (which is now being called Zante) kept their price at $425.00TT. For all inclusive fetes under $500.00TT, Blue Range All Inclusive is $400.00TT, Yorke is $475.00TT and Love Up The Arts $475.00TT.

Carnival Checklist..

It is officially the first day of the new year for me, after a long 3 month vacation from work it is back to the office today and Carnival preparation in full swing for the next few weeks!

As usual I have my checklist of stuff that needs to be done and even though I had zero Carnival 2010 vibe in the latter half of 2009, I am feeling the vibes big time... I cannot WAIT to see my costume!

If you are not 80% ready by now you need to get cracking!

Monday Boots – Check

Tuesday Boots – Check

Monday Wear – Check

Accessories – Check

Hair – Check
Make up by Missy for Monday - Check

Makeup Appointment  for Tuesday– Check

Fletch Dry Powder – Check

I have one brand new pair of tights so just need to get a couple more as well as to book my eyelash appointment and the only reason I have not done so as yet is because I am torn between doing individual extensions or the extreme lash.

So pretty much I have most things covered, the major thing I really need to do is pay off for my costume in full before the fast track deadline, even though last year it did not matter whether I paid for my costume in advance or not as collection was a breeze (there was no one ahead of me!).

I still have a few pounds to lose (as always) and right now I am testing out Slim Shots, will give you my review post Carnival.

How is your Carnival preparations going? Got your ticket? Hotel? Or even a COSTUME?

1 month and 10 days to go!

British Airways Commercial Featuring Trinidad Carnival

Last month I shared photos from the British Airways and TDC video shoot in a post titled Carnival in December, well here is the actual commercial advertising British Airways - Go Caribbean in January fare sale!

Go Caribbean in Janu..
Watch the ad...

End of Year Survery Results

The results are in for the second End of Year Carnival survey and for the most part persons who responded followed instructions but some had to be voided due to answers such as "all of Genesis". There were 201 people taking part in the survey but only 128 completed it:

With all polls you do not have a voice if you did not vote so for all those complaining that the majority of responses would come from TRIBE masqueraders, you should have took the opportunity to do the survey instead of complaining without action.

As it turns out 57.81% of respondents are playing with TRIBE, 17.19% with Spice and 10.94 % with Island People, followed by Harts, Ronnie and Caro, Legacy, Pulse 8, Dream Team and Trini Revellers in order of percentage.

You can view all results of the survey online HERE.

Most Outstanding Female Costume of Carnival 2010
1.Charmeuse
2.The Mystery of Loulan
3.Wings of Isis

Most Outstanding Frontline Costume of Carnival 2010
1.The Mystery of Loulan
2.Greece
3.Kalpana

Most Outstanding Male Costume of Carnival 2010
1.Silk of Rajasthan
2.Greece
3.Bindi

Most Outstanding Overall Presentation for Carnival 2010
1.TRIBE
2.Island People
3.Spice

Worst Female Costume of Carnival 2010
1.Serica
2.Habotai
3.Morgandani

Worst Male Costume of Carnival 2010
1.Morgandani
2.Serica
3.Osage/Priyadarshani

Worst Overall Presentation of Carnival 2010
1.Pulse 8
2.Island People
3.Trini Revellers

click to enlarge

Happ New Year, Happy New Decade!

Results of the End of Year Survey will be published later today... enjoy the holiday and get some exercise!!

A Year In Bacchanal

It all started with the rumours  since Ash Wednesday that TRIBE would be doing The Silk Road for Carnival 2010, Spice subsequently announced their theme of The Spice Route and several other bands went to Asia for Inspiration. From China to India Carnival 2010 is all about that continent! When TRIBE finally announced  their theme it was changed from The Silk Road to The Secret of Silk.... too similar to The Spice Route it seems !

The next drama was the headpiece controversy; who stole what from whom , a whodunnit which caused major ties to be severed between a certain band and certain designers(this was also the year of the stone controversy but I will let sleeping dogs lie on that one!)

Ironically the one thing that sets Carnival 2010 apart from past years is the plethora of massive headpieces in Spice and TRIBE. Feathers "down to the ground" is what I was told to look out for before band launch and we have feathers, feathers and even MORE feathers than Birds of a Feather!

Once again The Sauce was challenged for accuracy of gossip. When the prices for Spice were leaked the band leaders hastily took damage control and announced that the prices were not correct, a few days later they were officially released and save a few dollars, I was spot on! Nice one Spice, it will not be the last time I was accused of incorrectly spreading information about this band. Lets just say that the Sauce's sources are very reliable, hence the reason the band leader went to China to sort out the "costume quality situation"!

And just as I have been accused of being Anti Spice for 2009 I have also been accused of being Anti TRIBE (believe it or not!), honest reviews and certain friendships have made The Sauce a subject of many a secret meeting and a gag order was set for anyone giving information. Pity the information does not come from within ranks so I still get my hot gossip to share with my readers!

As Spice is looking to cement their footing in a Sophomore year, Elements which also debuted in 2009 is taking a break from Carnival 2010 and who knows how many other Carnivals. And just when one thought Kaotic also suffered a similar fate, they made a last hurrah and launched late in 2009 with their second presentation for Carnival 2010. Speaking of launches I have to mention the BEST BAND LAUNCH ever, Brian Mc Farlane's launch in the middle of the Bucco Reef which was totally spectacular!

Evolution never announced their departure but after pushing back their band launch date they simply failed to launch. As bands bowed out of Carnival 2010 there were even more new bands waiting to take their spot; Scorpion Mas, Matrix, Glenn Carvalho, Jhalwa The Real Fire, D Harvard Boys and D Harvard Revellers are all new bands for 2010. It remains to be seen if any band relevant today can claim a 50 year history like Harts, in future, as the band celebrates five decades in mas with all sections sold out and an even larger band for 2010, kudos to Harts! The question everyone wants answered is why hasn't Island People, a stalwart in the mas game for going on 5 years is not sold out as yet?

As the year 2009 comes to a close with only two big bands sold out, the concern is the effect of the global financial crisis on costume sales in the New Year. Band leaders are even worried that deposits will be forfeited as potential masqueraders realize they cannot afford Carnival 2010. Costume prices broke record figures this year and fete prices are even MORE exorbitant than for 2009...people simply cannot afford it all, plus Beyonce concert tickets!

And what is in store for 2011? Hopefully construction of the Carnival Center will actually start with a date of completion secured by the Government.  In 2011 the Wee Wee Truck will be no more as masquerader's last chance to use this facility will be for Carnival 2010. Changes to TRIBE's registration and pre registration are to come, so I was told, as this was also the year of the TRIBE registration fiasco. Who can forget the crash on registration day that had masqueraders going crazy online and at Cascadia? And to add insult to injury was the fact that pre registration went from a "perk" to certain persons to a business for some; you know things are bad when you are first in line at Cascadia for registration and not only does someone mysteriously appear in line before you but you are told that the costume you want is sold out and you are holding ticket number ONE!

Sources also say that the long rumoured second band from TRIBE will be coming in 2011, if this finally turns to a reality well I guess that might mean death to some of the other struggling bands as the TRIBE overflow of masqueraders will be just sucked up by the next TRIBE affiliated  band which might just come under the banner of  Red Ants, maybe? Who knows ? Lots to look forward to in 2011 but lets get through 2010 first.... SIX MORE WEEKS TO GO!

It's Time to Make This A Buyer's Market!

Now that Christmas has come and gone all of a sudden costumes are coming up for sale en masse on Carnival Junction, Fineahban and even on Facebook (just check the TRIBE group to see the costumes listed). I don't know how many times I have to reiterate that desperation should not determine the price you pay for these costumes that are being resold.

You have the power to turn this into a BUYERS market people, the sellers of these costumes NEED to get them off their hands so please do not facilitate them by paying the absurd prices they are asking:

Costume for sale Tyrian Purple, price on TRIBE's website $3575.00-$3870.00 for small/large headpiece option. Asking price for said costume on Carnival Junction, $4900.00:

FROM:C
TO:R
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2009 10:54:26 +0000
Hi I have a Tribe Tyrian Purple for sale.
These are the measurements:
Swimsuit Type
Bikini
Bra Size
32 A
Hipband
34"
Swimsuit Bottom
Bikini
Bottom Piece Size
M
Let me know if u interested. C

FROM:R
To:C
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2009 11:16:47 -0500

I'll take it!

I am in Toronto currently but I have friends in Trinidad who can help us arrange payment etc.

Let me know what next steps we should take!

R


FROM:C
TO:R
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:24:13 +0000
Ok cool.

What happens is I'll either give the person a receipt to collect the costume after they make the full payment or , if they not comfortable with that I can collect it after they make the payment and give it to them after. Let me know which you are more comfortable with.

FROM:R
To:C
Date: Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:41:59 -0500

I like the first idea better. I will be in Trinidad the week before carnival to pick up the costume.

I will send my friend the money this week and maybe she can go with you to pay and get the reciept as well. I hope this works for you. Also how much are you asking for?

Thanks

R

FROM:C
TO:R
Date: Tue, 29 Dec 2009 00:22:53 +0000
The first idea is more comfortable for me also.
I got 2 other offers so its whichever offer is best but more importantly who pays first because i just want to get it off my hands.

Im asking 4900.TTD full price including downpayment. Where in Trinidad is ur friend from? Im from South.

Naturally the potential buyer did not follow through with the sale,kudos to her, and just as some people defend other's right to mark up the cost of THEIR costume based on worth, my only goal today is to let YOU the buyer know that you should not be giving in to these prices just because you want a costume, especially when someone is bold enough to say they "just want to get it off their hands".

There are still people out there willing to sell at the actual price the costume is being sold for at the mas camp, I know someone who got a costume just yesterday, so do not facilitate the extortionists. The closer we get to Carnival the more costumes you should see on sale by people who NEED to get it off their hands...

Good luck !

Machel Montano - No Behaviour

Are we feeling it, or not? 

(is a good thing Machel taking a break for 2010!)

Beyonce Concert Tickets On Sale From Today

Because I have gotten numerous inquiries on purchasing tickets for Beyonce's post Carnival concert, here are the details:


Are you ready? February 18th, 2010, Queens Park Savannah, POS; Beyoncé Live in concert!

General Admission:	TT$450.00 (Early Bird Special)
VIP:	$1,000.00 (Food Refreshments inclusive)
VVIP:	TT$1,600 (All Inclusive)

Tickets can be purchased at the following bmobile stores and Authorized Partner locations. 

Bmobile & TSTT Locations

Bmobile Store, Brian Lara Promende, POS

Bmobile Store, Level 2, The Fall of West Mall

Bmobile Store, Level 1 East Wing, Trincity Mall, Trincity Mall

Bmobile Store, Library Corner, San Fernando

TSTT Customer Service Center, DSM Plaza, Chaguanas

TSTT Customer Service Center, Caroline Building,  Wilson Road, Tobago

TSTT Customer Service Center, Park Street, POS

TSTT Customer Service Center, St. Augustine

TSTT Customer Service Center, Arima

TSTT Customer Service Center, San Fernando

TSTT Customer Service Center, Point Fortin

Bmobile & TSTT Authorized Partners

Cellular Planet Limited	Upper Level, Westmall
Cellular Planet Limited	Uptown Excellent Mall, Cor Frederick &Park Street
Cellular Planet Limited	Broadway, POS
Cellular Planet Limited	Busy Corner Mall, Main Rd, Chaguanas
Cellular Planet Limited	1st Floor New Dial Mall, Arima
Cellular Planet Limited	Plaza Grande, Eastern Main Road,  Sangre Grande
Cellular Planet Limited	Cipero St, San Fernando
Cellular Planet Limited	Gulf City Mall, La Romaine
Cellular Planet Limited	Market Street, Princess Town
Cellular Planet Limited	Ground Floor, Long Circular Mall,  St James
Cellular Planet Limited	Gulf City Mall, Low Lands, Tobago
Cellular Planet Limited	U-Turn Mall, Wilson Rd,  Scarborough, Tobago
Next Generation Computing	#10A High Street, Siparia
Next Generation Computing	City Centre Mall, Penal
Wayne's Electronics	#80 Main Road Point Fortin
Nova Quantum	Crown Point Airport, Tobago
Nova Quantum	Piarco International Airport, Piarco

NOTE: Tickets can be purchased ONLY via Cash, Linx and Credit Card payments (no cheques).
Tickets will be on sale from December 29th, 2010 at the bmobile Stores and Dealers listed above.
FOR YOUR ADDED CONVENIENCE, FROM JANUARY 7TH 2010 YOU CAN CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE; CREDIT CARD PURCHASES ONLY.
Persons are allowed to purchase any amount of tickets.
Note: There will be no refund on tickets purchased.
Keep checking the press and listening to the radio for regular updates or sign up online and have information sent directly to you. You can also contact the following for even more details:

• 800-8788 (TSTT) – available to local customers only
• 868-625-2534 – available to local and international customers

SOURCE:
bpartofit.com/beyonce

Don't forget to Vote!!!

The second End of Year Carnival Survey is here and I am once again asking for your participation. This year the poll is hosted by Poll Daddy, which makes it MUCH easier.

So get started by either clicking THIS LINK HERE or the Link Below which will take you to a pop up layer; you may need to disable pop ups to see the survey if you click on the link below.

Please answer all questions as this is mandatory.

Results of the Survey will be published on January 1st, 2010.

Tips On Costume Re Purchase

I have gotten many an email asking about the safety of buying costumes from resale websites such as Fineahban and Carnival Junction. As I have told those persons I personally have never purchased a costume from any of those websites, for the most part  I have never heard any negative reviews apart from sellers jacking up prices.And while there is no guarantee that the advertisers of costumes for sale are indeed honest enough to follow through with the sale after receiving your money here are some tips to ensure that you have some sort of recourse in case the deal goes sour:

*If possible do the costume sale/purchase at the mas camp.This was actually the avenue I took when I had to sell a costume; the buyer of the costume met me  at the mas camp and the sale/purchase was done with an employee bearing witness. I was also able to transfer the costume to the buyer by doing a letter on the spot.

*Always get a receipt. Once you had over money to someone have proof that this was done, you can purchase a recepit book in any stationary store.

*Have all communication done via email and CC (carbon copy) the emails to the mas camp so there is a third party aware of the sale and what was promised.

*Get a written letter (or email with scanned letter and signature of the seller) informing the mas camp that the costume was sold to you and asking that the costume be transfered. Also get copies of the seller's ID and a letter authorizing you to collect the costume if the transfer deadline has passed.

*Beware of persons asking for money but are unwilling to provide you with any documented proof that they are selling you the costume. Both the transfer of money and relevant documents should be done simultaneously.

*Only pay what was paid on the costume; do not pay the entire costume amount if only a deposit was made.

*In the case of fraudulent practices please alert the owners of the websites Fineahban and Carnival Junction so the necessary action can be taken to remove the sellers.

Remember the person selling has an item they want to get rid of, the longer they hold on to it the more of a liability it becomes. As the buyer YOU have the upper hand so do not be anxious in rushing into a sale or think that you need to pay more than it is worth.

I am sure in the coming weeks you will see more costumes coming up for sale on these websites, so be careful in making your purchase and good luck in getting the costume you want!

Carnival In Tobago

Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago does not only take place in Port of Spain, though it may seem like that from the media coverage. Areas all over the country celebrate their own Carnival with jouvert, parade of the bands, steel band compettions from Arima, to San Fernando to Tobago (and many villages in between).I recently came across this information on Carnival Activities and Mas Camps in Tobago, I have never been in Tobago for Carnival, however they do seem to have lots to do if you are interested in the celebrations on the sister isle:

Main events 

TUCO calypso shows every week, including clashes of Tobago calypso tents, Tobago Soca Monarch shows, Tobago Calypso Queen shows

Soca Under the Samaan Tree (2nd week in January)

Soca Spree (1st week in January)

Pan Trinbago preliminary Panorama judging in pan yards throughout the season

Department of Culture’s Carnival Caravan – a traveling show which takes traditional carnival characters and music in villages around Tobago for three weekends preceding Carnival weekend

Junior Carnival Xtravaganza – panorama, calypso, speech band and school masquerade finals

Mas competitions – kings, queens, individuals of the bands and ole mas competions

Tobago House of Assembly’s Inter-Divisional Show – arguably the most attended and watched show on the island at Carnival, it features a Ms. Personality and Calypso Monarch competitions

TUCO Mas – the Windward Calypso Monarch finals and Windward Afro Queen Show; one of the best shows for Carnival in Tobago

Mas Camps

D Hardest Hard Sports and Cultural Club (Moriah): 660-0373

Gloria Stoute and Associates (Montgomery): 631-0419

Judith Aguillera-Nero and Friends (Caanan): 392-1228

Marcellin and Friends (Scarborough): 639-2543

Sanaa (Scarborough): 727-7204 (Dianne McCrimmon)

Panyards

Buccooneers (Buccoo): 795-4875

Dem Boys (Mason Hall): 686-6984

Dixieland (Mt Pleasant): 774-1255

East Side New Dimension (Belle Garden)

Euphonics Steel Orchestra (Calder Hall)

Katzenjammers (Black Rock): 639-1349

Our Boys (Scarborough): 683-5169

Redemption Sound Setters (Mt Gomery)

West Side Symphony (Patience Hill): 639-5186

SOURCE: 

51 Days Till Carniva 2010!

Hope you are getting ready to Palance!

Palance for D Vale Breakfast Party Tickets today; those who know know where you have to be.. good luck! I am going to enjoy the rest of the holiday today, because it is only 51 more days until Carnival 2010!

The SOCA SWITCH is on!

Merry Christmas !

Here is wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas and  Happy Holidays!

Eat, drink and be merry.. diet tomorrow!

Christmas Deals

If you still need boots Ami Club Wear has 50% off the WHOLE site, discount code XMAS 50 valid until 12/25/2009. Free shipping on orders over 50.00 too.

And if you become a fan of Color On Pro on facebook you get 20% off their instant eye makeup, discount code FB001.

I used Color On Pro  for Carnival in 2008 on Monday as I only pay for professional makeup on Tuesday, and it worked brilliantly. Review HERE.

If you have no idea how to begin doing your own makeup this is might be worth your while. The only thing is it is somewhat expensive at $22.00US for a kit of 5 pairs , but you can customize your own kit by choosing different colours and split with friends.

And don't forget to check out Sweet 7, she has a discount code for Hosieree.com if you are looking for tights.

Dear Santa...

It's Christmas Eve and I know it is sort of late to be throwing out Christmas Wishes, but I think I have been good enough this year to put in a special request plus my list is pretty short!

All I want for Christmas are TWO tickets to D Vale Breakfast Party without having to sell a lung or kidney, not to mention having to go through an interrogation or provide photographic evidence that I have patronized the fete before (especially seeing I was boycotting the fete for the silly ticket selling policy).

For 2010 I have decided to see what the fuss is about, what makes D Vale Breakfast Party so exclusive it is harder to get into than TRIBE. And especially as I heard tickets are already being "pre sold" (sort of like pre registration) can you sneak two under my Christmas tree?

Thanks!

Scorpion Mas Online

Scorpion Mas is finally online, this somewhat new band for Carnival 2010 can be found at: www.scorpionmas.com. I must say the costumes look MUCH better on models than when I went to the mas camp last December.

And since I already went to the mas camp last year and took photos of the costumes when the presentation was entitled "The Journey Begins" you can see close up shots of all but  the two new sections HERE.