Carnival Care Kit: 5 Must Haves for the Season

“It’s my time, make up yuh mind; this carnival is one of ah kind; everybody know it’s party time!”- Machel Montano, Haunted Whether you choose to hit every fete possible, leave all your jumping to happen on the road J’ouvert morning and Carnival Tuesday behind a music truck, or do both (we see you heavy feters!), one fact remains certain – there are some things you absolutely require to survive ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’. We’ve put together a little Carnival Care Package for you so that you can wake up Ash Wednesday ready and able to fall back into your regular, Pre-Carnival, everyday routine seamlessly. These are our top 5 recommendations to have ready at your fingertips from now until Carnival ends (and even beyond!):

SUNSCREEN

This is one of the most overlooked items in Carnival preparation. On Carnival Tuesday, while you’re beating the pavements in your beaded bikinis and shorts, the sun will be beating on your backs every step of the way too. And when you’re having a time on the open deck of the daytime boat cruise (that you definitely did not call in sick to attend), your skin is facing the harshness of the sun then, as well. So do you and your skin a huge favor and slather on the sunscreen before leaving home. Don’t let sunburn be a reminder of the grand time you had over the season.

WATER

This is quite possibly the most basic requirement in fete and road prep. Remaining hydrated is key! You don’t even need to take our word for it – just ask Iwer! The people always want water! Staying adequately hydrated would not only starve off the symptoms of dehydration like dry lips/skin, headaches, dizziness and tiredness; but it also keeps you sober for longer. If you drink a cup or two of water between every other alcoholic beverage, it’s a win-win!

COMFORTABLE FOOTWEAR

Nobody wants to walk barefooted through a fete. And going sans-shoes on the hot roadways and pavements is a definite NO-NO. The soles of the feet are sensitive despite the brutal beating they take day-to-day. Why add unnecessary discomfort during this time of increased jumping, dancing and prancing? Choose well-fitting shoes with enough “breathing room” to prevent chaffing and with plenty of padding to absorb extra shock.

SORE THROAT RELIEF

There is really only so much shouting the throat can endure. From screaming when your favourite soca star hits the stage to hailing all your famalay-lay-lay over the deafening music to reppin’ where you’re from when the DJ asks, “All who here from d South land?”- your throat will probably exit the season almost bleeding and badly wounded. But with throat preparations like Decatylen Lozenges, relief is just a pharmacy away. Its’ unique combination works to soothe the throat and ease the pain so you aren’t croaking your way through that client meeting on Ash Wednesday.

PAIN RELIEF

Let’s admit it. Even with all precautions taken, a little bit of pain after almost two months of revelry is almost guaranteed. A toe being stepped on with a high-heel, thighs and calves burning from going down to the ground – or at least trying to (you’d get an A for attempt from us) – and a headache from not drinking enough water and too many beers (refer to Tip #2!) are almost inevitable. Luckily, after you’ve pushed your body to the ultimate limits and you’re ‘mash up’, Paraconica Plus can help you ‘build back’.   Note! Paraconica Plus in NOT an insurance package. The unique combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen in the Paraconica Plus, structured to give you the maximum therapeutic dose if needed, is guaranteed to knock pain out and even deal with that low grade fever you’re running from being sprayed with a super soaker at a 3am water fete. Don’t carry on and on for the rest of the season unprepared. These are five of our recommendations, what are some of your other must haves in your Carnival Care Kits?