Hours of Makeup and Months of Preparation Went in to Creating This Look for Jamaica Carnival

The origins of West Indian carnival can be traced back to 1833, in Trinidad and Tobago, when the emancipation bill was passed. The enslaved population reclaimed carnival by tapping into African traditions, contrary to the racist negues jardin, or blackface costumes that the French colonizers wore to immitate slavery. The traditional costumes worn by Trinidadians of African descent were handmade and inspired by folklore. Burrokeet is a costume made from bamboo and fabric that creates the illusion of a dancer riding a donkey; the Bookman is a devilish character who wears tudor-style pants and a velvet and satin gown and carries a pen in one hand and a giant book in the other; and the Jab Molassie is another dark spirit. Today, these traditional costumes tend to take a secondary role to the revealing costumes decorated with jewels and feathers. Jamaica carnival started in 2000 with one band called Bacchanal Jamaica, and usually three bands touch road on Carnival Sunday with thousands of masqueraders dancing in their costumes behind the sound trucks.

Carnival chasers will start with Trinidad and Tobago carnival in February, play mas in Jamaica next—usually in April—and they’ll wash, rinse, and repeat as frequently as their paid-time-off balance allows. Revelers purchase costumes that are made-to-order four to six months in advance. Backline costumes cost at least $500 while frontline costumes with bigger, more ornate feather “backpacks” sell for about $2000. Stamina is a requirement, so it’s important to eat healthfully and work out months before the event. Some people (read: me) even recommend working out after a long night out to properly train for the countless all-inclusive parties and minimal sleep.

Technically, I had two years to prepare for Jamaica carnival, so I should be snatched, but the return was only announced a few months ago. In the weeks ahead of the festivities, I practiced yoga and went to Barry’s. I tried to minimize my carbohydrate intake, but it’s difficult to do because sushi and dollar slices are a staple in my diet. But, regardless of how I felt about my body, I reminded myself of one of the beautiful aims of carnival: flaunt your natural beauty and curves. Soca music and costumes encourage me and the other masqueraders to put aside their everyday anxieties, appreciate the blessings in life, and revel in their own greatness. The mantra is party more, worry less.