Everyone has their different view about mass. From what it used to be to what it is now, we look for different things to optimize our fun. By now everyone interested in playing mas should have already paid for their costumes and are just waiting to find out when is pick-up time, so this isn’t about choosing the troupe that best suites your needs. This article is just a few things you must grasp to ensure that you and your friends truly enjoy your ‘experience’ both Carnival Monday and Tuesday.

Time is of the essence
Most, if not all mas troupes move off much earlier than the actual Carnival parade, so as to give their revelers as much time as possible to enjoy themselves ‘jammin’ to sweet music. By starting out earlier with your troupe, rather than later, you get even more value for your money. I know that long hours on the road can be grueling, but Carnival comes just once every year, and well it is your duty to ‘full joy’ yourself.

Drink lots of water
The sun during the summer is always grueling, and is only heighten come mas time. While most mass troupes have some form of medical team on hand in case of emergencies, they all insist that masqueraders hydrate by drinking lots of water to balance out the effects of the sun. Dehydration is a serious issue, one that should be taken very serious.

Remember to eat
Sometimes in the midst of the excitement surrounding mass, we forget the important things that are crucial to ensuring that not only do we burn energy but that we preserve some as well. How many times have we heard of stories of individuals passing out because the combination of lots of alcohol and little to no food has proven way too much for them to handle. Food is to your body what gas and diesel is to a vehicle, without it your body won’t function properly, and will most likely give away the first chance it gets. Eating a good meal two hours before you take the road, and munching on snacks and such during the day provide you with the energy to need to make it safely through the route.

Drink responsibly
While we would like to think that everyone should have the notion etched in their head that it is not only important but ultimately very safe to drink responsibly; I still feel I must repeat the chorus. Being intoxicated to the point of loss of memory is catastrophic. Drunkenness should not be the intention of anyone, much less a mass player. Know your limit and boundary lines and stick with it. You’ve paid a lot of money for your costume; don’t let reckless choices prevent you from enjoying yourself to the full extent with your friends. Make memories, not disastrous regrettable mistakes.

Be safe
It is advisable that you play mas with as many of your friend’s as possible. With that said, there is safety in numbers. Everyone should look out for each other, and know where the members of their contingent are at all times, especially if you are on the road after the sun sets. A safe Carnival is a GREAT Carnival.

Speak up
As a paying customer, it is your right to let your voice be heard during times that you have questions you want answers for. The management of any mas troupe is there to serve and make certain that you are having the best times, so whether it be about food, or someone in the band that is offending you in anyway, rather than take matters into your own hand seek them out. They are usually, if not all the time, very accommodating and will do their best to guarantee that you are safe and satisfied.

Just ENJOY
Whether it is the costume, the music, the camaraderie of friends, mas is what you make it. While things can go wrong at anytime, your main intention should be to guarantee that your experience is worth the money that you spent. Parts of your costume have busted away, just get you some safety pins and get back to jamming. Another masquerader accidently step on your toes, accept their apology and get back to jamming. Rain comes and washes away your very detailed applied make-up; wash your face, add a little gloss to your lips and get back to jamming.

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Linisa George is a blogger, writer, poet, playwright and director; an all-round creative soul bursting with energy. Visit her blog ‘Motives and Thoughts’ at www.linisageorge.blogspot.com.