Behavior Gone: My First Trinidad & Tobago Carnival

As Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2026 comes to a close, I can’t stop thinking about my unforgettable 2025 experience. My Tabanca has officially set in from all the content I’ve stumbled across, and I realize I’m still not over it.

Every year I said I was going to go, and finally, the year had come.

_uck Work started slow, which wasn’t surprising — you know Caribbean parties start late — but it picked up big time and went later than the flyer had said. The vibes were phenomenal, the food was great, pure energy.

Then came the elite, no-notes energy of Naked Boat Ride, a breakfast fete turned up early with a cooler style. They offered a little food at the start, but I had brought my own snack and bottles (no glass). A full bar was available. The energy was unmatched from start to finish. Don’t forget the rum!

After the Naked Boat Ride on Carnival Sunday, we were on our way to hit the road when things got a little chaotic. A vagrant walked into the street against the light, and a car slammed into us from behind. Our car rocked, but somehow my backpack and wings survived completely intact. I couldn’t believe it — by the time we hit the road, they looked just as spectacular as if nothing had happened. Even with my chipped tooth, I looked great — shout out to Beat by Lani for the flawless makeup. That moment set the tone for the day: anything could happen, and I was ready to take it all in.

Monday felt sexy yet relaxed, while Tuesday was all about pretty mas and glam. My Monday look was designed by Nicholas Oliver, and Tuesday’s ensemble was all about vibrant, carnival-ready glam. Even on the road, everything held up beautifully, and I felt ready to dance, wining and moving with the band.

Yuma gave us a drone light show and an afterparty with a performance by Lady Lava. I’m telling you, she was everywhere. Marching down the road, music blasting, sun beating, hips moving, my behavior was gone — haha! And picture this: crossing the stage with Yuma to “Pardy” by Machel Montano and “Carry It” by Bunji Garlin — the vibes were immaculate. You can call me a proud Yuman.

You can’t come to Trinidad and Tobago for Carnival and not see Machel perform. I saw him more than once, and every single time the energy was electric and engaging.

He is soca.

He is Carnival.

At this point, he’s not just an artist on a lineup. He’s part of the DNA that is Trinidad Carnival.

I also saw Patrice Roberts at her concert “I Am Woman: Reflections – You, Me & We.” It gave grown-woman vibes that felt confident, reflective, and powerful. Soft but intentional. Patrice always puts on a great show, and I love that she brings other female soca artists on stage. It’s giving girls’ girl energy. And of course, she makes you want to never stop dancing.

Carnival always feels like a family reunion with family members you haven’t met yet. You start off strangers and leave bonded by a moment in time.

AM Beach is another premium fete, with food, snacks, and drinks included. It gave sunrise therapy, and that whining on the beach in the early morning to soca had been unmatched. Everybody was in good spirits. I actually adored the cup. Pro tip: the drive up to Maracas Beach is narrow and can be a little nerve-racking, so make sure to get an experienced local to drive you. I also couldn’t miss the bake ‘n’ shark with all the toppings from Maracas Beach, my favorite meal of the trip. Make sure you go back the day after Pretty Mas for a proper cool-down day.

Citrus was overall fantastic, with premium vibes, gorgeous production, phenomenal food, and amazing performances. I got to see Lady Lava, who had been my absolute favorite; she was everywhere during Trinidad Carnival 2025.

Waist. Pace. Steam. Release. And Groovy Soca.

Now, there are plenty of fetes to experience. The options can feel endless. So don’t feel obligated to only try these. Try as many as you can. Collect wristbands. Keep them for your memories. It’s all a part of the Carnival experience, to experiment for the sake of enjoyment and freedom.

If you’re building your own Carnival lineup, I’d recommend looking into Strut Boat Ride, Booze and Bacchanal, AM Bush for Jouvert, Brunch and Soca Trinidad, Pinknic, and of course, Whine Down on Ash Wednesday. Because Carnival doesn’t just happen, it unfolds. And if you do it right, you won’t want it to end.

Pro Tip: Remember to book your tickets in advance. I used islandeticket.com to purchase all of my fete tickets.