Maybe you’re in Trinidad, and woke up at the crack of dawn to slather yourself with oil or mud to play j’ouvert in the darkness before sunrise.
Maybe right now you’re sprinkling your skin with glitter before getting into that intricately adorned costume to palance and pose off in your all-inclusive section.
Maybe you’re in New Orleans getting ready to throw beads, drink hurricanes and ride on a float.
Maybe you’re in Brazil and are preparing to samba like Ash Wednesday doesn’t exist!
Photo via TrinidadCarnival2010.com
No matter where you’re celebrating, I hope you have the BEST TIME, and while you’re having fun, be smart and be safe! If you need makeup tips, read this vintage interview with Trinidadian makeup artist Sandra Hordatt – makeup tips for Carnival WOW!
– Be sure to stay hydrated — it’s so easy to get caught up in the air of inebriation and excess and drink too much, but in the blazing sun that’s a recipe for disaster! Try to drink a glass of water for every alcoholic drink you have. That way you won’t get dehydrated or nauseous as the day carries on.
– Don’t forget to wear your sunscreen — skin cancer and sunburn don’t discriminate based on your color! I know many women with deep complexions who swear they “don’t need sunscreen.” I beg to differ. We all do, especially if you’re going to be jumping and waving in the hot sun for two days straight.
– Roll with a group — even if you’re a strong, independent woman who can take care of herself…be smart. If you have to run to the bathroom, grab a friend to go with you. If you need to take a break for a bit, take a friend or two. Don’t roll solo, don’t just disappear and not let your friends know where you went off to. Be smart about your surroundings.
And most of all HAVE FUN for those of us who can’t be at home to enjoy it!
Happy Carnival Monday and Tuesday to my Trinis and Brazilians, Happy Mardi Gras to my friends in New Orleans!
I wish i was in trinidad right now! So jelly of my family who are there.
Amen to all you said 🙂 Happy Carnival everyone!
Oh how I wish I was there! All these bbm status updates about Carnival Monday…getting ready for the big day tomorrow….Road March, Groovy Soca….yes, very jealous!
ME TOO!!!
I know everyone at home is having fun!!
Next year is our year!
I SAW YOU ON TV… CONGRATULATIONS, AFROBELLA!! YOU AND LUVVIE WERE THE BOMB!! You two are definitely on the move!
Its been my dream to go to Carnival in Trinidad and Brazil. One day Im gonna make it happen!
Hey, I found out how to win a Free Rimmel Lip Gloss You can get yours here:
http://bit.ly/xhLeiW
I love carnival time!
I’m going to try to capture the colors of Carnival this spring – in what I wear!
I’ve always wanted to go to this, it looks like it’s every bit of fun I think it is!!
Thanks for this!
Now it’s Ash Wednesday and start of Lent – perhaps we’ll jump up togther next year Ms. Afrobella.
I just got back from my first carnival in Trinidad! It was the most amazing experience ever! Trinidad is a beautiful island and the food is amazing! Bella, you should do another post on Trinidadian cuisine..with recipes
After you’ve been to Trini carnival, you will not want to know another.
I was so happy to see Haiti’s Mardi Gras happen so beautifully this year! That celebration was so needed!
Interesting blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A design like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog jump out.
Please let me know where you got your design. Kudos
Howdy! This poat couldn’t be written any better!
Reading through this post reminds me of my old room mate!
He always kept chatting about this. I will forward this page to him.
Pretty sure he will have a goood read. Many thanks for sharing!