Walk with a water bottle, lamb skin, etc. filled with your desired refreshment, as you will feel the need to take a drink every now and then. Be careful with the alcohol because dancing in the mid day sun and alcohol spells double dehydration.
Walk with a little pouch or money strap to secure your ID and money in case you need to buy food and drinks or need to take a cab or bus home. Make sure the pouch/strap is secure enough such that it won't fall off while you are dancing in the street. Or you could just put your stuff in your socks, but that could be a smelly issue later on.
If its your first time or you are participating with a large group and want to be in the same section or you are particular about which costume you want to wear, then you should register as early as possible.
This is a must if you are going to last the duration of Caribana and survive with as little pain as possible. So get your Cardiovascular system in shape. Jogging, walking or sports and of course stretching will do the trick, but make sure you start as early as possible. Don't wait until the last minute or you will suffer.
The key word is STAMINA!!!!
There are plenty of parties and shows to go to all season, especially the week and weekend of Caribana. So if you want to take in a lot of the events, make sure that you will last through the parade and Caribana Weekend.
But it is recommended that you take in as many events as you can, so that you can experience the Caribana festival to its fullest.
If you know the music, you will have much more fun. Check the Caribbean Connection section on Fetenet.com for samples of the latest releases and which albums they come from. If you can go to a music store and pick up a CD or tape.
| Eat Right!!! - If you don't eat, you will not survive!! |
Its best to eat shortly before you meet up with the band. You're going to burn a lot of energy and you know you'll be taking a drink here and there, so you will definitely need the sustenance.
If you don't mange to eat before you get there, there are many food and drink places set up along the parade route from start to finish. Eat just enough, don't over do it!!
It's a bit of a problem to get in and out of the parade, but there are openings in certain spots. If you do leave the parade, make sure to hurry as your band will not stop.
You know the Sun these days, so equip you and your skin appropriately!!
Check CP24 for the latest Toronto Weather.
If you're a baldy or think the intense heat on your head will bother you, cover your head. Find a matching hat, cap or bandana...you don't want to get sunstroke or burns on your head. Of course its a good idea not to wear the extras on stage.
You should wear a comfortable pair of sneakers, preferably a pair that you don't mind messing up or painting up with glitter. Slippers, sandals, heels, thins soled shoes, etc. are not recommended. Its a long trek down the road in a large crowd of people, so you will want a very comfortable pair of shoes that cover up your toes if they accidentally get stepped on.
 Feel free to experiment with glitter, coloured hair spray, face and body paint and other accessories to your costume.
| Stay Clear of the Big Truck |
While you're having fun jumping up, moving to the left or right or wining down, always keep in mind that there are large music trucks going down the road with you. Make sure that you stay clear of the sides and front of these trucks.
Try to use the bathroom before you go down the road with your band. There are washrooms along the route, but again you have to look for openings in the barricade or you may have to jump over the barricade.
If you have any medical considerations to worry about, check it out with your doctor, because the parade is fun but it is long and tiring and can be very hot in the sun.
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