The Introvert’s Guide to Surviving Carnival 2020 (Off-the-road)

I love carnival because it’s a big part of our identity as Trinbagonians however, I’m an introvert and huge crowds, loud music and all the bachannal that comes with carnival are my kryptonite.

4 minute read

Carnival 2020 is going to be huge! Band launch season is already upon us and some bands have even begun conducting major rebranding efforts as we move into the new decade. On a complete side note, 2020 marks both socio and political changes in our local landscapes. To go deeper, if you’re into numerology, 2020 is the number that symbolises a shift to new and big personal potential and an indication for you to live your life with enthusiasm and adventure. What a better time then for the introvert’s to partake in Carnival! Let’s have a conversation – you and I. I love carnival because it’s a big part of our identity as Trinbagonians however, I’m an introvert and huge crowds, loud music and all the bachannal that comes with carnival are my kryptonite. I wrote this post specifically for the introverts who are considering playing mas again, or for the first time. This is part one of the guide where I’ll be talking about the non-Monday and Tuesday and off-the-road activities. Now let’s get into it:

1.    Organise your registration – NOW

As I mentioned, we’re in the cusp of band launch season so get those credit cards and down payments ready because it’s going to be the hunger games of registration once we hit September. You don’t want the last-minute hassle of having to “fineahcostume” from a third-party reseller. Leave that for our extrovert colleagues – that process is way too frustrating for us introverts. On that note, you’d also want to make your hotel or Airbnb reservations if you’re considering being closer to the action and especially if you live beyond the lighthouse like myself.

2.    No new friends (foreigners exempt)

When feteing season comes along, you’ll want to keep your group small, tight and familiar. No new additions to the mix. A group of less than five persons – or a carload – should be your maximum limit. Contrary to the popular opinion that you’d go to the fete to make new friends and meet new people – that’s not your goal as an introvert. You’ll be drinking and intoxicated – vulnerable. The people near you will be people you’re comfortable getting responsibly drunk and having a good time with. The exception to the rule is for the foreign friends of your friends who may join the group. In which case, you want to show them a fantastic time and be hospitable – like you would want to be treated when you go out in a foreign country.

3.    Never ever volunteer to be the designated driver

As an introvert, we’re constantly in our minds and a bit more analytical and systematic in our daily lives. When you’re going to a fete, you don’t want to have the major responsibility of being the designated driver or the person that has to parent the group – the latter of which is an additional responsibility of the designated driver. The fete is your opportunity to get out of your head and live a little more care-free and you simply can’t do that by sipping coconut water or coke on the rocks for the entire night! Hire a taxi or let someone else take on that role. Period.

4.    Pre-game and prep

Introverts love to foster and deepen existing relationships. Pregaming is a great way of building closer and deeper relationships. This specifically involves the group meeting up at one of the group member’s home and having a little pre-drink and hors d’ourves – a little something to get the group hyped and started. This could also include the group getting dressed there. Generally, I personally hate to go out and not pre-game because I feel like the pre-game acts as a bridge between normal life and the fete. It’s supposed to mentally prepare and ease you for what’s to come later so that you’re not thrust from one state to another drastic state.

5.    Follow the two-hour rule

The fete starts at 7PM – you do not arrive at 7PM!! Take your official start-time and then add two hours. Get there by 9PM in our current scenario. The small-talk, chit-chat and sobriety will drive you crazy, especially if you’ve pre-gamed well. Not to mention, the event is also now building momentum during this time. Getting there two hours later when the event is in full swing will help you and your group maximize the high-energy of the event.

6.    Leave when you want to leave

Considering that your friends have been drinking responsibly – could hold their liquor; you’ve had an epic time; and could feel your energy starting to drop – it’s time for your group to make an exit. Traffic coming out of a fete (depending on where the venue) can really undo a fantastic evening. Go get yourself a double or gyro or something! Alternatively, if your group isn’t ready to leave, demand a compromise such as, “Ok, ten/fifteen/twenty minutes more then we leave!”, because at the same time, you don’t want to be that person. Be a team player. Take that extra time to get some water, use the bathroom, freshen up and sober up.