10 Tips For A Safe Carnival

Carnival season is in full gear in Trinidad and Tobago and Dominica. We seasoned veterans know exactly what to expect, large crowds,late-night movement, alcohol, lowered inhibitions and high-energy environments. It’s the perfect conditions for accidents, theft, harassment, spiking incidents, and opportunistic violence. Everyone deserves to enjoy Carnival safely, women especially, who are the lifeblood of the festival, are often forced to navigate the season with a mental checklist that men rarely have to consider. While it may feel counterintuitive to the carefree energy of the season, being safety-conscious is what helps create and protect the precious, magical vibes that make Carnival memorable for all the right reasons. Whether you’re a local, a visitor, a seasoned masquerader, or a first timer, these tips can help you protect your joy without being a stick in the mud.

1. Party Like You on A Mission

Carnival is not the time to “go with the flow and just see how it works out.” You need to treat this thing like a serious mission in order to mash up the place.

Before heading out:

• Share     your location and plans with at least one trusted person.
• Decide     your transportation before the fete ends.
• Avoid     walking long distances alone, especially after midnight.
• Identify    safe zones: police posts, health stations, emergency personnel, security booths, well-lit businesses.
• Agree    on a meet-up point with friends in case phones die or signals drop.
• Have      a Plan B and Plan C and make sure everyone is on the same page.  

2. Carnival Is Codependent

Carnival is the season of “we outside,” not “I outside.” Move with at least one friend you trust. If your crew gets separated:

• regroup quickly
• don’t wander looking for them
• call and meet in a public place

If you see a woman who is too intoxicated, isolated, being pressured or looking distressed, check in with her.  Even a simple: “Sis, you good?” or staying beside her until she finds her people, can interrupt a dangerous situation. Carnival culture is community. Let’s keep it that way. Nobody should be a loner during Carnival. The lone partier is a vulnerable partier.

3. Watch Your Drink Like It’s Your Baby

Drink spiking is real, and Carnival environments make it easier. So, follow these basic rules:

• don’t accept open drinks from strangers
• don’t leave your drink unattended
• avoid communal cups, bottles, or “sip this nah” moments
• if you feel suddenly dizzy, confused, or unusually sleepy alert someone in     your crew immediately.

If possible, use sealed drinks or bottles you open yourself.

Men, don’t think you are exempt! You should watch your drinks too as spikes and robberies also happen even though women are disproportionately targeted.

4. Skimpy Does Not Mean Scant & Unprepared

We know you want to dress less and feel free. You don’t want to carry around bulky bags. You want your hands free to put in the air and hug up people and wave your flag and rag. But these essentials can make all thedifference.

Pack:

• ID (or a photocopy) with additional emergency contact and medical information
• Bank card and just enough cash
• Condoms, painkillers
• Portable charger
• Small pepper spray (if legal and allowed) and/or personal alarm
• Tissues, wet wipes, sunscreen, sanitizer (in spray form, sunscreen and sanitizer can also be used in place of pepper spray if aimed at the eyes).

Keep valuables in a cross-body bag worn in front, or a waistpack under your costume.

Carnival is when all classes merge and mingle. The less attention you draw to your economic status the better. Leave expensive jewellery and brands at home. The road, pan yards and bar crawls are not the places to flex Rolex confidence. Artificial bling sparkles just as bright! Trust us, nobody cares as long as you look good! Save your expensive jewellery for black-tie events in secure settings among folks in your economic class bracket.

5. Know the Difference Between “Carnival Energy” andPredatory Behaviour

Carnival has a culture of dancing and “wining,” but consentis still consent. There is a difference between mutual vibes and someone forcing themselves on you. If someone is grabbing you repeatedly, pulling you, blocking your exit, or refusing to respect “no,” that is harassment, not Carnival culture. If you feel uncomfortable, it’s valid. Listen to your gut.

6. Don’t Let Your Phone Die

Your phone is your lifeline, so before leaving home:

• charge it fully
• bring a power bank
• turn on location sharing with trusted friends
• save emergency numbers

If you can, set your lock screen to display: “If found,call [emergency contact].”

7. Always Know How You Are Getting Home

After a fete is when most danger happens. Everyone is tired,hungry, tipsy, vulnerable and desperate to get home. The predators are patient,energized and on high alert out on the hunt for easy targets.

Best practice:

• use licensed taxis or reputable ride services
• travel in pairs/groups
• avoid accepting rides from strangers, even if they “seem cool” and even if you are desperate to get home
• the moment your driver gives you bad vibes, alert people to your whereabouts, cancel and get out safely.

8. Know Your Limits (And Respect Them)

Carnival encourages excess. But your body isn’t a machine. When the scorching Caribbean sun, heavy humidity, meets your exertion and water loss through sweat, plus alcohol, it can lead to crippling dehydration. If you are taking substances like cannabis and MDMA (molly, ecstasy) it also has a severe dehydrating effect. You need to hydrate constantly, eat real food and pace your drinking. Remember, being mentally impaired increases your vulnerability to exploitation and makingunwise decisions.

9. Jamette Energy Can Protect You.

Women are socialized to be “nice” even when unsafe. There is no better time to tap into the Jamette energy (a woman who is loud,intimidating, in charge of her space and her body and will fiercely stand upfor herself), than during Carnival which celebrates that expression of womanhood. Find your inner Calypso Rose to tell people, “Leave Me Alone!”.  You don’t owe anyone a smile, a dance, access to your body or an explanation. Carnival is your time for liberation. If someone is following you, pressuring you, or making you uncomfortable, they are violating that experience for you. Show no mercy!

• Call them out and stand your ground
• Call on your women allies. There is a sisterhood on the road that is unparalleled.
• Create a scene if necessary

Safety is not always quiet. Safey requires strength andsolidarity.

10. Men: Be A Carnival King.

Men who love Carnival must understand this, protecting womenis not about being a white knight. It’s the basic minimum of human decency. Real Carnival Kings:

• respect boundaries
• intervene when friends get predatory
• walk women to their car if asked
• do not pressure intoxicated women
• do not excuse harassment as “just vibes”
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• de-escalate fights and arguments with calm masculine energy.

If you see something, say something. Silence is complicity.

Carnival is Freedom. But Freedom Requires Safety

Carnival is one of the greatest cultural celebrations on Earth. It is art, rebellion, joy, and identity. But it must also be a space where women can celebrate without fear. The best Carnival story is the one where everyone makes it home safe to tell it over and over and give others so much FOMO, they make it their mission to experience it next year. Word of mouth remains the biggest marketing tool for the festival.