CARNIVAL 2027 · PACKING

What to pack for Trinidad Carnival

Travel light on the road and prepared for the trip. Here is what Showtime masqueraders actually carry.

On the road, bring broken-in footwear, a small waist bag or crossbody, phone, ID, cash, sunscreen and a portable charger. Leave at home anything you are not prepared to dance in, sweat in or lose. Food, drinks, medics and restrooms are already handled by the band.

On the road: Monday and Tuesday

Comfortable footwear you have broken in beforehand. New shoes on Carnival Tuesday is the most common first-timer mistake. Sneakers or supportive boots you have already walked and danced in.
A small waist bag or crossbody for the essentials: phone, ID, some cash, sunscreen.
Portable phone charger. Photos, the section WhatsApp group and finding your friends all drain a battery fast.
Sunscreen, applied before you leave and topped up on the road.
Your costume as fitted on Tuesday; Monday Wear or comfortable clothes on Monday.

You do not need to carry food or water. Chef-curated meals and stocked premium bars travel with the band on both days, along with paramedics and mobile restrooms. See what’s included.

Leave at home

Anything you are not prepared to dance in, sweat in or lose. Carnival is a full-contact celebration: expensive jewellery, large bags, and anything fragile are best left at your accommodation.

For the rest of the trip

Light, breathable clothing. It is the dry season, hot and humid, and evenings cool only slightly.
A hat and sunglasses for daytime outside the road days.
Fete outfits if you are going to any: many fetes have themes or dress codes (Showtime’s Cooler Fete is “Colors of Green”).
Old clothes and shoes for J’ouvert if you are doing it; paint, mud and powder do not wash out.
Your boarding pass email and a government-issued ID for costume collection at Mas Camp.
Some US dollars or a card; TTD is the local currency, but USD and cards are widely accepted.

Before you fly

Confirm your sizes are submitted and your balance is paid by January 1, 2027, so your boarding pass is issued.
Confirm your section’s collection window lines up with your arrival; if not, message the team.
Join your section’s WhatsApp group for road-day instructions: meeting location, reporting time and what to carry are sent before the event.

Questions first-timers ask

What shoes should I wear to play mas?

Comfortable, supportive footwear you have already broken in: sneakers or boots you have walked and danced in. Do not wear new shoes on Carnival Tuesday.

Should I bring my own water?

You can, but you will not need to. Premium bars along the route serve water, juice and alcohol throughout both days.

Can I bring a bag on the road?

A small waist bag or crossbody for phone, ID, cash and sunscreen is ideal. Leave large bags and valuables at your accommodation.

What do I need to collect my costume?

Your QR boarding pass (emailed once you are paid in full) and a valid government-issued ID.

Ready to choose your costume?

Take Off 2027 has nine sections. Pick the one you love, secure it with a TTD 800 deposit, and the rest of this guide walks you to the road.