“Di Party Nice, Doi Doi” — Trinidad Carnival 2019: Fete Review
“Everyday is fete
I come out to fete
I bet I fete’n more than you” -Machel Montano
Headed to a fete before the year is up? Planning for Trinidad Carnival 2020? Here is a brief overview of my fete experience for Trinidad Carnival 2019.
Tailgate Tuesday
Location: Queens Park Savannah
Type: Cooler Fete
Avg Price: $50 USD
In my opinion, Tailgate Tuesday was a whole vibe. If you missed the vibe, because you were at Kes Tuesday, I “stan”. If you arrived early enough to link with your team, you were able to see the atmosphere build as vehicles entered and parked up in the designated parking. Doors opened, trunks popped, and coolers acted as centerpieces to the vibe. The music selection was excellent from the start of the party, complementary alcohol, and food/drinks were available for purchase of course. A captivating digital display on the side of a big truck that acted as the main stage acted as a center piece for the event.
Skinny Fabolous touched the stage solo and gave us “Famalay”, a chune sang by a total of three uniquely talented artistes. He gave us an energetic performance and allowed for the crowd to sing and fill in the blanks for Machel Montano’s and Bunji Garlin’s verses.
Iwer George blessed us with “Water Blessings”, literally, as water bottles were tossed from the truck to the audience (yes I caught one) right before he started to perform — the cooler fete instantaneously turned into a wet fete.
Voice later came out and serenaded the partygoers prepping us for the “Pandemonium” that was to come. Wuss Wayz (Lil Natty and Thunda) later joined the performance by exiting the sunroof of a parked vehicle that drove near the front of the stage space — it was creative and unexpected to say the least. Although advertised, I was not able to pick up something and “Run Wid It”, Mr. Killa did not perform. I must admit I was disappointed to have missed his presence. Additionally, the party ended exactly when it said it would, at 1 AM — fair, but also unusual for a fete with so much vibes.
Punchy Wednesday — Alternate Reality
Location: Hasely Crawford Stadium Carpark
Type: Cooler Fete
Avg Price: $55 USD
Punchy Wednesday was a jam — packed with people and energy. Coolers left and right and so it was hard to maneuver to the rear of the event if you were up front. This event was about finding your spot and building a vibe from there.
Those in attendance were able to catch memorable performances by the first soca artistes to touch the stage: Shal Marshall and Problem Child. We later were taken to The Savannah as Kes graced the stage for an epic performance. Machel Montano and Skinny Fabolous later arrived and shelled down the place, so I hear. I could not stay the entire event as Tyrico Bay was the next destination for Caesars Army’s A.M. Beach.
A.M. Beach
Location: Tyrico Bay
Type: All Inclusive
Avg Price: $160 USD
This all-inclusive breakfast beach party was fairly organized. From entry you were invited to take a dope photo or boomerang with a mermaid model after receiving your A.M. Beach cup and wristband. You were then waltzed into a vibe where drinks, food, a masseur, a temporary Caesar’s Army tattoo station, and a centered sprinkler cool down area were all readily available — in view of the the main stage.
A.M. Beach was a movie, it was such a beautiful set up with plenty of food and vibes for those in attendance — a true all-inclusive event. Attendees were blessed with performances by soca artistes such as: Nadia Batson, Teddyson John, Kes The Band, and Skinny Fabulous.
The end of the event was a highlight, the party spilled onto the shore, and a riddim section lead the morning vibes before departure. The relaxing waves were splashing the shore of Tyrico Bay as people from all over mingled to the sound of rhythmic percussion remains an unforgettable moment.
Tribe Ignite — OYO
Location: Hadley Crawford Training Grounds
Type: Drinks Inclusive
Avg Price: $100 USD
This annual drink inclusive event was a time to remember as well, the event was organized fairly. The “Empire” set up was unique and the event was held in Hasely Crawford Training Grounds.
From the start of the party, I made my way over to the line that was building near a throne in which you could take a photo seated in and take home a piece of the fete. As I waited in line, I was able to see Nailah Blackman touch the stage and perform her hit songs for the season. You could see the energy build as most of the crowd sang and danced along. As the evening went on, we were later serenaded by an energetic performance by Kes the band.
As the night went on we were taken aback by Machel Montano as he performed some of hit chunes before bringing out Skinny Fabolous to perform their road march “Famalay”. This was my first time seeing Machel perform live for the season and all that was missing was Bunji Garlin to complete this memorable trio. After all of the performances, the event was bare vibes, as everyone let loose to dance the rest of the fete away.
AM Bush
Location: Wallerfield International Raceway
Type: All Inclusive
Avg Price: $135 USD
This event was one of my favorites. An exclusive all inclusive J’ouvert-like fete. The event was held in international raceway, and yes Usain Bolt was in attendance. The walk through the woods to the area in which the fete would begin was an unforgettable moment indeed. You walked past several stations where you were offered shots along the path to get you ready for the madness. It even began to rain during that walk as we entered, so imagine the tone that was set by Mother Nature.
Upon entry there were food and drinks trucks available for everyone to indulge in before the pump. As we waited for the music trucks to begin moving, we were all slowly armed with bottles of paint.
Once the trucks started to move, it was pandemonium. Everyone just began to release their energy at the same time that paint was being splashed on any and everyone. The energy was maintained at a high level the whole time, attendees did not come out to pose. This was one of those fetes that I did not want to end, but when it did, we were presented with much needed Trini food on the way out.
Soca Brainwash — The 70’s
Location: St. Mary’s College Grounds
Type: All Inclusive
Avg price: $160 USD
This event was phenomenal to say the least. An event so carefully planned out and executed indeed. From entry, as per usual, fetters receive Soca Brainwash memorabilia. This year I got a branded cup and some dope sunglasses.
Once you stepped into the event you immediately were attracted to this dope graffiti wall where you could write a message in marker and take a cool photo. You then entered the grounds to be welcomed by a plethora of over 45 (Trini) food choices and conveniently placed drink stations.
As you made your way around, you were able to see 70’s themed Pierrot Grenade (Traditional Carnival Character) on stage and throughout the event. There was even a life sized Monopoly lounge area. A tribute stage was added this year and it was monumental. Not only was it the one of perfect places to have someone meet you, it paid homage to music icons of the 70’s. There was a legends wall nearby that displayed photos of many influential musical greats.
After sunset the vibes were kept at an all time high. Transparent disco balls were handed out and bounced through the crowd like a gyal on a man shoulders during “Run Wid It”. The event concluded in one of the best ways possible, similar to A.M Beach, with the vibes picked up by a riddim section as the people spilled onto the streets.
Vale Vibe
Type: All Inclusive
Location: Drew Manor, Santa Cruz
Avg Price: $175
Vale Vibe celebrates 25 years. Vale was a kn exclusive breakfast fete like no other. *cues Day Time Party — Kimba Sorzano* This exclusive all inclusive breakfast fete was exquisitely organized. From the start, patrons were offered champagne, a stocked bar, and welcomed by a plethora of Trinidadian eats. There were even Hennessy infused coconuts being offered. This event conveniently made room for moisturizing and mirror stations placed near the restrooms for the patrons who needed a moment to refresh.
Vale Vibe started off with entertainment by young Moko Jumbies, and as the event began to fill with people, the vibes also began to build.
This event was filled with stylish people and energy. There were Blue Devils walking around the fete, you couldn’t miss them if you were in attendance. I was even photobombed by one (see image below). There were water hoses in use and people noticeably freeing up to the sound of soca music on the grass area. We even had Usain Bolt in attendance, he definitely brought the energy and solidified the vibes as he led the crowd into madness while Mr. Killa’s “Run Wid It” was playing. A vibe you cannot get anywhere else but in sweet T & T.
“Party Done” -Angela Hunte
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