MIAMI CARNIVAL GUIDE | Planning Miami Carnival 2021 + Frequently Asked Questions

[@Bahamianista]

MIAMI CARNIVAL GUIDE 2022 bahamianista.com/carnival/the-miami-carnival-2022-guide/ MIAMI CARNIVAL TICKETS 2022 bahamianista.com/category/carnival/miami-carnival/

[@tunecouture]

I want to experience a carnival (don't know which city yet). I'm not Caribbean and have always been too intimidated and confused to try. Now a lot of it makes a lot more sense. I don't think I want to be a spectator, I'd rather masquerade and do it big! Thanks for breaking it down

[@Bahamianista]

Hey no problem! Yes it can be overwhelming because there’s so many factors. I have a few blog posts that might help. Carnival List & Travel Requirements: bahamianista.com/carnival/planning-for-carnival/the-covid-travel-requirements-you-should-know-for-carnival-2022/ - it shows some Us based carnivals as well Where to find a carnival costume bahamianista.com/carnival/carnival-for-beginners-where-to-find-a-carnival-costume/ This kinda breaks down the process of getting a costume and also the origins of the Caribbean carnival But if you have any other questions just email or send me a DM on IG (@bahamianista)

[@roddleyp7740]

Thank you for this super informative video! I live down here and have never experienced carnival and wanted to go this year 😭. Just didn’t know where to start.

[@Bahamianista]

Hey no problem Roddley! Thanks for checking it out. If you have any questions just lemme know

[@_plainsarahjane]

Thank you so much for doing this !! Your video was tremendously helpful!!

[@Bahamianista]

Hi no problem. Just keep in mind this is for 2021 - you can also find a 2022 guide here for updates: bahamianista.com/carnival/the-miami-carnival-2022-guide/

[@awlabouttiff958]

I am a swimwear designer and I really wanted to make my own costume, and go visit miami carnival but it would be my first Carnival experience all together. I am so glad I watched this video, I now understand that I would either have to be a masquerader with a band or a spectator which I guess I could still wear my own costume as a spectator but I feel it does change things

[@Bahamianista]

Yes in order to participate in the carnival - you would need to register with a band and there are a lot of bands with different price points. There’s a part of the parade where spectators can see the bands/masqueraders but miami carnival Org also has a concert and other things going on in the fairgrounds for spectators to enjoy until the bands get ready to cross the stage so hopefully that helps

[@awlabouttiff958]

@@Bahamianista it does! Thank you so much

[@zaerosa]

Thank you for taking your time and putting this out !! 💕💕

[@Bahamianista]

No problem. Stay tuned for the 2022 Guide. But you can check out the blog guide here: bahamianista.com/carnival/the-miami-carnival-2022-guide/

[@typerfk8]

Not sure if I'm going, but I know its going to be beyond LIT!

[@aaliyahs9289]

Great video! Can’t wait for Miami carnival!🥳

[@Bahamianista]

Thank uuuuuuu - same here ! 🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@ginellebacchus6398]

Fantastic video and very informative 🙌🏾🥰

[@Bahamianista]

Thank youuu

[@pthomas5786]

Can I still attend with my ticket but not wear attire that comes with ticket

[@Bahamianista]

What kind of attire?

[@pthomas5786]

@@Bahamianista t-shirt that comes with ticket

[@Bahamianista]

@@pthomas5786 you mean the Tshirt that comes with the J’ouvert package? Or Tshirt that comes with a carnival package? For J’ouvert you have flexibility. For instance- I’ll take my Tshirt from the J’ouvert package and repurpose it and wear a different bodywear underneath. Some ppl don’t wear the J’ouvert tee at all but once they have the package and wristbands they can still play on the band. For carnival not so much because it’s a competition and the bands get judged based on presentation of costumes. Let me know if you have more questions.

[@minismalls3096]

i'm trying to dive deep into this carnival lifestyle. i know a girl in london who does the shows and it just looks like so much fun. my country participates in carnival but not in my city smh can't wait to move to miami

[@Lvrryjvmes]

Miami is Magic. Trinidad is the best

[@BrittanyJay]

Thank you for this video I just put my deposit down for my costume 🥰

[@QueenKayeMusic]

Which band !! I goin

[@lloyd1720]

Informative as always. I am also shocked this is actually going on. What have you heard about covid19 safety? I am stuck on the fence whether to reach or leave it until next year. But I want to reach...lol

[@Bahamianista]

At the sfcbla launch - the committee members spoke about limited numbers for carnival - there’s a statement on the miami Broward carnival website and their IG -but I’m still waiting for more concrete info about if there’s a vaccine requirement/mask requirement especially with the Delta variant out. Also I’ve noticed reading carnival band contracts (the ones you get when registering for a costume) that some have a covid 19 clause (as they should). Waiting to hear more from Miami Carnival Org

[@YoutubeNameHere]

It would be good to know which band to pick based on the music they play. All will play Soca but so they also play dancehall, Afrobeats etc

[@Bahamianista]

So it's carnival time, you're going to hear 99% soca maybe a sprinkle of afro beats and dancehall and that goes for all the bands. So I wouldn't be able to give you a band that does that because Miami Carnival is a celebration of Caribbean culture, music which primarily surrounds soca and calypso music and the varying types of soca and calypso music across the varying Caribbean islands.

[@shakeenajoseph3809]

One island band 😩I can’t wait my costume is already paid I’m ready

[@christieshaelle6658]

If you don’t mind me asking, How much did it cost in total? And how much was the deposit? Also which costume did you get?

[@adeola08]

What are the best bands?

[@Bahamianista]

I recommend Revel Nation but if you’re looking for a costume at this point you might be out of luck because they’re sold out.

[@dyzelfilmz5596]

What time does Carnaval starts on Friday

[@stephaniestewart9469]

From 5pm to 11pm.

[@dyzelfilmz5596]

@@stephaniestewart9469 are these the times for Friday Saturday and Sunday as well

[@stephaniestewart9469]

I’m guessing it depends on the event, I’m going to three of them : Panorama is from 5pm to 11pm , Jouvert is from 7a to 3p and the actual parade is from 7-3 also. I hope that helps.

[@dyzelfilmz5596]

@@stephaniestewart9469 yes love. Thank u. I’m photographer/videographer so I will be bringing my gear with me

[@dyzelfilmz5596]

@@stephaniestewart9469 I just subscribed to u💯❤️

[@Clairissaolivia]

Thank you. This was super helpful 💕

[@Bahamianista]

Yay glad I could help! ❤️

[@Clairissaolivia]

Thank you. I needed this 💕

[@Bahamianista]

No problem! 💕💕💕

[@ebonymay7906]

Is there a lot of bathrooms out there ? Other than poter potties ?

[@Bahamianista]

I think its mostly port a potties and mobile restrooms

[@ebonymay7906]

Thanks queen

[@EncrustedLionHeart]

I wish I could email you with all my questions! So if half the friends purchase costumes from bands and the other half just wants to pay to enter the gates is that possible? Our friends got 1000 outfits as they are extremely high! The rest of us just wanted to put our own together based on our budgets. Does everyone come together after the parade is over or does everyone have to stay with the bands the whole day? If my friends got partyroom costumes and I went with genX would we be able to party together once the parade is over? Or are we forced to be only spectators without purchasing one of their costumes? Some of us wanted to buy wristbands are a package that includes amenities without the overpriced costumes.

[@Bahamianista]

Hey hun send me an email @ [e-mail] or just hit me up on IG. Yes you can do half spectators and half masqueraders. Everyone can congregate freely towards the ending part of the parade more specifically after the bands cross the stage. The registered masqueraders (with carnival bands) stay with their bands for the majority of the parade until crossing the stage. If you and your friends are in different bands - pay attention to the order of bands so you can find each other after but it’s not impossible it’ll just be a lot of ppl. If you buy a spectators ticket you can only spectate up until the bands cross the stage. I don’t know of any band that sells wristband only packages. Miami Carnival is an active competition between the carnival bands that’s why they don’t allow spectators to join in the parade with masqueraders. The bands are being judged on various aspects of carnival as well as uniformity of costumes. Unless there are Monday wear sections or Tshirt sections - I don’t see the probability of a wrist band only package.

[@trucktgc]

Hello. Thank you soo much for this. I had another question. I was about to order my tickets to the parade and concert. But I also saw the “Big Wall” event. What is this event, I was trying to see do I need to get both since they are both at the same location.

[@Bahamianista]

Hi there. No problem. So what I think Miami Carnival is doing (as of recent) is having events on the fairgrounds for spectators which I think is a great idea; I'm not 100% sure of the logistics but the fairgrounds is a pretty huge area - they also have a dancehall zone that they're promoting on their Instagram Page. I think if you want to fete (party) while waiting for the bands to cross the stage, it seems like a good idea but I personally have never done it because I'm usually a masquerader on the parade route so I can't really say what it will be like or look like. Hopefully that helps in some way.

[@naa-lamleylamptey7207]

If you plan on being in a band & getting a costume, do you still need to purchase a general admission ticket?

[@Bahamianista]

Hey no you don’t need to purchase a general ticket if you purchase a costume . Once you purchase a costume, you automatically get a wristband from that band which gives you admission into the fairgrounds for carnival.

[@Ifonlyyouknew1976]

I came from TikTok to follow your advice 🥰

[@Bahamianista]

Awesome! Welcome!

[@Ifonlyyouknew1976]

@@Bahamianista thank you

[@briannejohnson9838]

Is Jouvert actually in FLL or Miami Fair grounds? I’ve been seeing for both places.

[@Bahamianista]

They changed it to Miami Fairgrounds. All the official Miami Carnival events are now at the fairgrounds.

[@briannejohnson9838]

@@Bahamianista thanks!!!

[@laimaggieslay1331]

Which band you going with ?

[@Bahamianista]

Most likely Revel Nation, waiting for them to launch by the end of this month

[@richardauguste6328]

@@Bahamianista Why revel over the rest?

[@meeksglow2436]

What about the make up artist

[@Bahamianista]

Here are some Makeup artists I've personally used for Miami Carnival : Make Up By Rain : instagram.com/makeupbyraindropz?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= Juisea Faces: instagram.com/juiseafaces?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[@shay-rae138]

How many fetes does Miami Carnival have? Like is there a ticketing app with a list of fetes ?

[@seductivenova2779]

It’s a Lot. U gotta follow all the promoters

[@Bahamianista]

It’s A LOT. There’s no app but you can look at Eventbrite, CaribTix, ticketgateway and even miamicarnival.org - will post a fete list momentarily though because fetes are already selling out

[@nicabbeellaa3363]

Love it!

[@Bahamianista]

Thanks! 🥰🥰🥰

[@gabriellaacarley]

It’ll be my first time and I did not want my friends to spend so much money. As a spectator for the concert and etc . Do we get to dance at the end with everyone ? Or should I convince them to get a back line costume .

[@Bahamianista]

PreCOVID: The trucks ended up parking after crossing the stage and would still play music til it was over. There’s also a concert going on during the parade so you can dance there or wait for the bands to cross HOWEVER I do not know if there will be changes due to the pandemic and Covid protocols that Miami Broward Carnival are now introducing…so just keep that in mind

[@gabriellaacarley]

@@Bahamianista what do you recommend to wear as a spectator? It’s also my birthday so I do want to look cute since I’m not playing in mas this year

[@melaniesantana6742]

At what point in the day do bands usually cross the stage? Is it early in the day or later in the day if you Know a timeframe? I know the parade is from 10am- in the morning until about midnight according to what I’ve seen.

[@Bahamianista]

It depends on what number they draw for the procession of bands. Some will cross before sunset and others cross after night falls. I wanna say they start crossing the stage maybe 1-2 hours before sunset

[@meeksglow2436]

For this year do u know anyone who make customers I’m half Bahamian

[@Bahamianista]

Hi, I have a whole list of carnival bands on my blog here: bahamianista.com/carnival/the-miami-carnival-2022-guide/ but I would recommend getting a costume from Revel Nation Carnival. Here's their Instagram: instagram.com/revelnationcarnival?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

[@CarryOnWithJas]

Perfect video.

[@Bahamianista]

Thank you so much! 💕

[@kiaracomeaux631]

Can you keep the costumes ? or do you give it back

[@Bahamianista]

You can keep the costume.

[@alexbennett9187]

Hey this is my first time going to Miami carnival. I just want to clarify. Did you say even if we are not participating in the masquerade, we still have to pay and entrance fee?? In Boston we can watch from the barricades like trucks passing by and masqueraders.

[@Bahamianista]

Yup the parade is held in the Miami Dade fairgrounds - to get access you need to purchase a spectators ticket or register as a masquerader in a band.

[@MeclaoPodcast]

Is the carnival free or no?

[@Bahamianista]

You need to buy tickets to access the parade or register for a costume. ticket list here: bahamianista.com/carnival/where-to-get-miami-carnival-tickets-official-events-fetes/

[@MeclaoPodcast]

@@Bahamianista thanks for responding 👍🏽

[@CaribbeanQueenDiva]

Them costumes for Miami 2021 are selling like hot cakes smh

[@Bahamianista]

💯💯💯💯

[@xr2kid]

Just bought mine one more week and its over.

[@muneca1006]

Do you guys recommend to go all out for the costume?

[@Bahamianista]

@@muneca1006 if it’s your first carnival just do a backline option - it’s completely up to you. It’s just as much fun if not more. Some ppl opt for the bigger costumes because they like the grandeur- it just depends on the person. Also just FYI miami carnival is at the fairgrounds- not on the road - the route is in enclosed in the fairgrounds so sometimes a backline costume Or smaller costume is best

[@SleepLikeAKing305]

How much are the costume?

[@Bahamianista]

Costumes start at about $400 and up depending on the carnival bands. I talk more about how much to budget here: bahamianista.com/carnival/carnival-tips/7-tips-for-planning-miami-carnival-2021-in-a-panorama/

[@parisgambino5417]

I'm Treppin with Ramajay this Year at Miami Carnival 2021 🛣️ 🚛🇯🇲🇺🇸🇯🇲🇺🇸🇯🇲❤️🥵🚀

[@wildcross123]

Girl what is Monday wear😭 can u elaborate on the terms

[@Bahamianista]

Hey so there are carnivals that have 2 days (carnival on both days) such as Sugar Mas (St Kitts & Nevis), Trinidad Carnival, Antigua Carnival, St. Lucia carnival and a few more which results in the days being Carnival Monday or Tuesday or some Caribbean countries deem it Las Lap Wear Some ppl opt not to wear their full costume on both days for various reasons so on Carnival Monday or Las Lap Day - people wear a sort of smaller costume (comparable to the look of swimwear/bodysuit). I'm wearing "Monday wear" in my last vlog - Hookie Life to give you an idea.

[@Khlampz]

You a lifesaver, do you have a group chat?

[@Bahamianista]

No problem. No I don’t unfortunately- try Solo Mas App instagram.com/solomas.app?

[@smallshanz94]

Can I walk with my friend if we’re in the same band but have different costumes?

[@Bahamianista]

Yes you can. You only have to get into your sections when it’s time to cross the stage

[@Best_backup]

I wanted to just get a general admission tix for my first time. Is it really boring? Can I just bedazzle a bra & panty set or would that be a no-no lol?

[@Bahamianista]

Boring is relative lol. I’ve had fun at the parade but I’ve only done it once as a spectator buying a general ticket. I’ve definitely seen ppl bedazzle their own stuff- it’s just that you won’t be allowed on the route with the registered masqueraders.

[@dthomas8110]

Stormers let us have we carnival. Plz😂

[@Bahamianista]

LOLOLOL ok ok first carnival back y’all get a pass 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@williams7446]

What day is the actual parade where everyone wears their costumes?

[@brikeyshe]

October 10th, 2021

[@williams7446]

@@brikeyshe thank you❤️

[@gizmogizz7653]

🔥🔥🔥🥃🔥🔥🔥

[@Bahamianista]

🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾

[@djgift__591]

#IFUHRAMAJAY

[@babydeemon9059]

How old do you have to be ?

[@xr2kid]

18

[@EncrustedLionHeart]

Everything I've read say 21 It says unlimited alcohol drinks included with most bands once you've purchased a costume.

[@goldmine7338]

Halka ramailo