First timer’s guide to jouvert in Grenada

So you’ve made up your mind and this is the year you play jouvert in Grenada and you would like to prepare.
Let me generally describe to you what Jouvert in Grenada is like. Picture a massive gathering of people, some spectating and some moving through the procession. They are all prepped and ready for music, dancing and ‘merriment’ while drenched in various colours of paint, charcoal or old motor oil, mud, some physically portraying memes (ole mas), some in traditional mas, along with the sound of steelpan, drums and loud speakers bellowing soca and calypso. There is also the most public simultaneous cooking to feed people from near and far you might ever witness on island, and a total transformation of what a typical Monday and Tuesday looks like all year in Grenada.

In Grenada there’s jouvert on both Carnival Monday and Tuesday. The capital city of Grenada, the town of St. George aka St. George’s, hosts the largest one on carnival Monday while simultaneous jouverts occur in all parishes. On Carnival Tuesday jouvert also occurs in the parishes of St. John, St. Patrick and St. David. So deciding on which location you wish to experience would be a good place to start. This will guide your transportation to the location. Public buses and taxis are available from foreday morning.

Next which aspect would you like to indulge in. Jouvert is much like Halloween, for the costumes welcomed, that portray local and blockbuster characters. A bit like the Purge where seemingly “almost anything goes” so props can be brought, a broken washing machine processing down the road is a typical sight in Jouvert. The attire is completely your choice. ‘Old clothes’ is suggested, since chances are you will dispose of your outfit thereafter. Public nudity may be the only inhibition.

Wear comfortable shoes. This should apply even before jouvert if you are participating in multiple carnival activities and plan to be on your feet throughout. Elevate your legs during the periods when you’re not standing and prioritize comfy shoes.

Skin protection– you’re going to be in 30°C+ temperatures with high humidity for hours. Now if that is not a regular aspect of your day, consider the sunburns and heat rashes that may arise. Thus keep cool, moisturized and hydrated. Use sunscreen, or natural alternatives of your choice. More importantly use a good base if you’re going to indulge in mas. Cooking fat (lard/ shortening) is what the real JabJab use, but petroleum jelly or baby oil are good bases too.

Hair protection– if you do not wish to have paint or oil or mud in your hair, cover it! Whether you use a shower cap or plastic bag, ensure you take this into consideration.

Now I don’t think I have to tell you but no weapons allowed. You may carry your own alcohol or patronize vendors so walk with cash in a waterproof carrier. As for your phone, that’s a tricky one. Many phones have met their fate in Jouvert so carry with this risk in mind. Place them in waterproof pouches and keep close noting the risk of damage or loss.

There’s a few more things you might want to prep ahead:

• Agree on meeting point or “lost points” along the route with your family and friends ahead.
• If you’re driving yourself to Jouvert, cover your car seats with garbage bags. Public transportation and taxis will take care of that aspect themselves.
• Also if you have a cloth/ towel close by to wipe off the top layers of paint and oil before cleansing. Many take to the beach to cleanse or plunge into the Carenage.

Outdoor cleansing is strongly suggested to set up your cleansing station outside so it’s ready when you return, i.e. dishwashing liquid (cleanse twice before heading inside to shower), and towel (to dry off before heading inside to shower).

I know, this all sounds tedious already but you haven’t gotten to experience the energy of Jouvert yet. Some things are not sufficiently explained or understood through a screen. The scent of Jouvert will imprint on your memory, the sights will baffle your brain, the stimulation of awe, wonder and joy, seldom curate in any other setting.

There’s a bit of organized-chaos in Jouvert as well, so unless you’re in a paid band, find a truck that plays the music you like best and change when you no longer like the music.

Lastly walk with vibes, be ready to have a good time. Allow yourself to feel the freedom from judgement and perceptions, embrace the freedom that our ancestors fought for, as you break from your own life’s monotony.

Merry Spicemas!