THE ULTIMATE FETE PRIMER

 

Wayne Bowman

Sunday Magazine

January 24, 1999

Page 3

 

If you plan to hit all the big fetes this carnival season, you should know that having a good time does not only mean a popular DJ and top ranking soca band. There are several key factors that make for a great night of gyration and levitation to the hottest music of the season. Here are some tips for those of you who are going to be beating the fete circuit, especially those who will be making the rounds for the first time around.

 
  1. Tickets: The major fetes usually have tickets on sale at least one week prior to the event. It's wise to purchase our tickets in advance because it saves you the hassle of standing in line for as much as half an hour trying to buy a ticket at the venue and then another half an hour trying to get in the fete. As a happy bonus, you also pay as much as $15 less for advance tickets.

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  2. Dress code: I can't for the life of me understand why anyone would wear brand new designer clothing to a carnival fete. Think for a minute. Most fetes are held in savannas, turf car parks or any open field. That means dust and should it rain, mud. So there you are in your brand new Nike or Fila sneakers, Tommy Hilfigers and Fubu gear which cost you a total of around $800. The day before and they look like you've been wearing them for the past 12 months. An old pair of jeans, well-worn sneaks and a T-shirt will do fine in a fete and you'll be less inclined to punch someone should they jump on your feet.

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  3. Alcohol: Some people believe that they have to at least make an attempt to 'buss' the bar when they go to fetes. If you are one of those folks be prepared to spend most of your salary on drinks for the night. Now, if you know that you can't hold your liquor, please do not drink yourself into a stupor. This is how many fights get started, causing people's death. Do not drink and drive.

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  4. Feeling the Feeling: When the rum takes over and the music gets to your head, some people have a tendency to become a bit amorous. Many babies have been conceived during and after carnival fetes, and not all are welcomed. There are also diseases such as herpes and HIV to worry about. Please allow reason and sanity to keep you from doing something you will regret when the rough wining gets too hot. If you must have sex, make sure its safe sex and that you and your partner are protected.

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  5. The only rag: Every year people say that they are fed up of the waving thing. And every year those same folks put their rags up into the air as soon as the singer tells them to. Those who refused to walk with a rag end up looking forlorn as they look at everyone around them having fun as they dust the sky. Make sure you walk with your flag, be it a rag, bandanna, dishtowel or bed sheet. As a matter of fact walk with two rags, one for waving, and another for wiping our face and blowing your nose. I mean, no one wants their neighbour's mucus landing on them when they jump and wave.
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