Make Carnival a comfortable one in 2012!

Comfort is key this Carnival! Year after year, we repeat this trivial bit of advice—trivial because many people see it as an attempt to diss their sense of style. From the fetes, most of which are now behind us, to the street parades, it is absolutely necessary to be comfortable from head to toe. So here are a few tips that you may find useful, and that may aid in ensuring you have the time of your life on the road.

•  Use an SPF 30 or higher sunblock on your face and other parts of your body that will be exposed to the sun all day long. Remember sunblock should be applied at least half hour before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours, so that means you've got to walk with it in your fanny pack.
• Women properly secure your boobs before leaving the house. Avoid them spilling out of the costume's bra by doing all necessary alterations before you go out into the streets. Don't stick!
• Stockings or leggings should be the correct size. There’s nothing more uncomfortable than wearing stockings/leggings that are too small. Avoid using lotion if you’re using stockings/leggings, as this could result in itching ‘in de mas’—a scenario that could be really frustrating for you and your crew.
• Unnecessary jewelry like gold or silver rings, necklaces, ankle bracelets and even ID bands should be left at home. Most costumes come complete with the accessories to match the feathered and beaded masterpieces. Not wearing your valuables means that you can parade the streets of in wild abandon.
• Finally, the shoes. While some people prefer to play mas in high-heeled shoes, remember comfort is key while you are walking, chipping, wining, grinding, jumping and waving for miles. It is advised that you wear sneakers or soft boots that are about a half inch larger than your foot size to avoid bruising.

Be safe, enjoy to Carnival to the max. Let’s show the world that we were ‘born fuh dis’.