Trinidad Carnival 2024: Fete Reviews
Trinidad Carnival fetes reign supreme when it comes to variety and elite production value. My fete choices this year were fantastic and gave me a well-rounded experience before the road.
Trinidad & Tobago Carnival starts on Boxing Day and lasts until Ash Wednesday. During that time frame, I attended 12 fetes:
Iron Park
Xperience
Soaka Till Sunrise
Tropical Luau
Sunrise
Mecka
A.M. Bush
Pinknic
Soaka Street Festival
Soca Brunch
Post Carnival Relief
Las Jam
IRON PARK
Type: Cooler Fete
Price: $63.88
Location: Queens Park Savannah, POS
Timing: 8PM - 2AM
The Best Of it: We arrived a few minutes after 10pm and it instantly felt like night festival vibes — the moko jumbie at the front, the corn soup and shots upon entry and the vibration of pan! The showcase of pan entertainment and the spirit of cheeky competition was lovely to see. The winner was crowned by the loudest applause of the crowd and it was great being a part of it.
The Worst Of It: The steelpan bands were on 3 different stages, which was a slight inconvenience because my friend and I needed to shift around to get better views when each band performed. There were also lull periods while we waited for the next band to set up and perform. However, it gave us an opportunity to roam the event to see what other features the fete had while we waited.
Will I Go Back?: Yes, loved it!
RATING: 4/5
XPERIENCE
Type: Cooler Performance Fete
Price: $64.48 (VIP Ticket)
Location: Brian Lara Stadium, San Fernando
Timing: 3AM - 10AM
The Best Of it: This is like a soca festival with one performer after the other. If you did not come in with those expectations, you would have probably been annoyed throughout the fete. I knew what I was signing myself up for and thoroughly enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. I was there for the entire event.
Included in the VIP ticket was food. I ate doubles as soon as I arrived to boost my energy and to kill time before the bigger artists joined the stage later in the morning. We were able to snag great spots in the DENSE crowd. Production quality of the set and stage was pretty good. Performance highlight: Kerwin Du Bois was AMAZING.
PS. The dress code for this fete is white and yes, expect it to get a little dirty.
The Worst Of It: It was PACKED. Overall, I didn’t pay that much attention and I didn’t mind but at times it was difficult to ignore the person with no space etiquette elbowing you in your side while they dance. It was especially annoying having to maneuver through that crowd when going to and from the restroom area. I only went back for a food re-up once because I did not want to deal with the crowd. I think the General area had more space than VIP, so perhaps the promoters should have a lower cap on the number of VIP tickets sold.
VIP was food-inclusive but what they failed to note was that not all of the food tents would be open before 6am. Therefore, when we arrived around 3:30am, all we had to eat was doubles. By the time the other food stations opened up at 6am, I was firmly placed in my tight spot and decided to stay rather than go back to the food court.
Will I Go Back?: Affirmative!
RATING: 4/5
SOAKA TILL SUNRISE
Type: Cooler Wet Fete
Price: $88.65
Location: O2 Park, Chaguaramas
Timing: 3AM - 9AM
The Best Of it: So damn good!! This was my first time attending the Soaka Arts and Music Festival, and it was totally worth it. This is the type of fete where on-time attendance - if not early - is required. We arrived at around 4am, just an hour into the fete, and we had a bit of a tough time grabbing a prime spot.
Soaka doesn’t do warm-up music, it’s pace from the time you arrive and you won’t want to leave until the very last note comes through the speakers. That’s exactly what happened - we were at the fete for a full 6+ hours and it didn’t feel long enough.
We ended up being in the very front of the stage, and had great views of the performances — Voice, Patrice Roberts, Mical Teja & Kes. However, if you want the full water experience, the very front is not prime.
The Worst Of It: Though we were right at the front with the energy, I feel like it wasn’t the best spot for the full water experience. I wanted dousage and drenchary and I hardly got that. That’s what makes Soaka fun!
It’s said time and time again but the traffic leaving Chaguaramas is the most anticlimactic thing. You go from one extreme to the other. Even worse, we could not find our driver. We must have looked confused and dejected when a kind person offered to drive us to our hotel. Thank you, sir!
Will I Go Back?: Definitely!
RATING: 5/5
TROPICAL LUAU
Type: Cooler Fete
Price: $54
Location: Rock on the Bay, Chaguaramas
Timing: 3PM - 10PM
The Best Of it: Carnival Thursday night had a plethora of choices and I decided to check out this cooler fete. I had heard good reviews and I try to spice up my fete list a bit every time.
While it was a small fete, I had a decent time. I arrived quite late at around 8pm, but it seems I was right on time because I was told the fete was just starting to fill up and the vibes picked up. Did it ever get to a point of high energy for me? No - but the music was diverse (in terms of old and new) and I had fun. To me, it was more of a neighborhood lime, and even when Bunji Garlin wowed the crowd with his performance, it was still kind of calm. The food was pretty good and I went back for more.
Overall I can’t complain - I got my money’s worth for a $50 food-inclusive fete.
The Worst Of It: I did not care for the long food line. Due to the size of the venue and location of the food area, there was only one food line for the entire fete, therefore it did not take long for it to grow. After being in line for close to 20 minutes, I did jump the queue when I found out a friend was closer to the front. To avoid this, I think a bigger venue is needed.
Another annoyance I had was the distribution of the pre-paid stocked cooler we bought. Unfortunately, the team in charge of that did not pre-pack the coolers, so the wait while they put together each order took a long time.
Will I Go Back?: Perhaps if they changed the venue, I would give it another chance. As the moment, I plan to explore other Thursday night options.
RATING: 3/5
SUNRISE
Type: All-Inclusive Breakfast Fete
Price: $194.18
Location: St. Andrews Golf Club, Maraval
Timing: 5AM - 2PM
The Best Of it: After my less-than-stellar time at Sunrise in 2023, I was a little apprehensive about how it would go this year. Maybe it’s because I lowered my expectations but I was once again reminded why this is one of my favorite fetes - the venue, the music, the drinks, the style. Everyone came to slay and I love a good fashion moment.
We were welcomed with our choice of an Aperol Spritz or a Screwdriver. I opted for the Screwdriver and it was good. Strong and woke me up fast!
The music was fire. While Sunrise is a “see and be seen” fete, it is also known for its stellar DJs who get the crowd going for 7-9 hours straight! People were dancing and as the morning progressed, the more people let loose and cared less about the optics.
The usual “suspects” performed, but it was great to see Preedy, Kerwin Du Bois and GBM Nutron get their shine. I enjoyed them!
Loved the additional touches, like the gorgeous decor, the cute gold cups and the staple Sunrise parasols.
The Worst Of It: I did not experience this personally because I arrived later, but I was told the fete started later than advertised. People arrived to a closed entrance and had to wait for some time before they were let in.
I thought the food selection and quality went down this year. The options were not as varied and the lines were long and moving very slowly.
Will I Go Back?: Of course! I have attended every one (in Trini) and will continue to give them my business.
RATING: 4.5/5
MECKA
Type: Cooler Fete
Price: $64.16
Location: Queens Park Savannah
Timing: 9PM - 3AM
The Best Of it: This was the second staging of this event and it was even better than last year. Like I said last year, I can see this developing into a Carnival Friday staple. My crew was ready to let loose and the rest of the patrons were of the same mindset. There was no standing still, people trying to look cute, people recording for recording’s sake. It was pure fun and positive energy!
The music was excellent with seamless switches from old to current hits in one elevated mix. The performances by Olatunji, Viking Dong Dong, Mical Teja, Patrice Roberts & Bunji Garlin were great.
WOW Events had lots of entertainment on the side too with the traditional mas characters in full display, as well as free shots and snacks.
The Worst Of It: I love the display of the traditional mas characters but I wish there was more interaction with the crowd, since that is supposed to be the main differentiator to other fetes.
Will I Go Back?: Yes!
RATING: 4/5
A.M.BUSH
Type: All-Inclusive Alternative J’ouvert Fete
Price: $202
Location: Wallerfield Raceway, Arima
Timing: 2AM - 8AM
The Best Of it: Of all the A.M.Bush fetes I have been to, this was probably the most organized. We arrived at the perfect time — the trucks had just pulled off to circle the race track and the music was pumping. We were immediately woken up from our half slumber by the flecks of cold paint and foam. Getting a drink was simple enough and the pours were heavy. I was awake now!
Though it was not the bush of old, I enjoyed this experience and it gave me the j’ouvert road experience I needed (since I was not doing j’ouvert on carnival Monday). There was lots of paint and I had a good time!
The Worst Of It: I have asked in the past and I beg again — I need the team to reconsider their catering vendor. I promise you that will improve the experience 100 fold. The experience is sold as an all-inclusive experience but 1. The logistics in getting food is not the best and 2. When you get food, it’s hardly edible. Several people I know got the runs and I can’t understand how this happens repeatedly year after year.
And for the high price, it gets to a point where I leave the event feeling like I am being mugged off in the highest way, and I am not getting my money’s worth.
Lastly — though I don’t think it can be helped — the venue is largely unpopular for patrons and out of the way.
Will I Go Back?: Probably not…
RATING: 3.5/5
PINKNIC
Type: All-Inclusive Fete
Price: $236.50 (Moet Ticket)
Location: Fatima Grounds, POS
Timing: 3PM - 10PM
The Best Of it: This is the type of bougie fete I go to Trinidad for and no other fete did it better this year. I love an opportunity to dress up, especially in pink. I decided to try this fete as an alternative to my usual staple, Soca Brainwash. It did not disappoint at all! I was in awe of the decor and all of the little details that created a prime ambiance.
After entering the fete, we went to pick up the items that were included in our ticket tier. It felt like Christmas arrived early because I received one thing after the other — Moet champagne, a blanket, a Pinknic cup, a champagne goblet, a parasol.
The food was amazing, the performances were amazing, the vibe was AMAZING.
The Worst Of It: As cute as it is, the picnic vibe kept people far from the stage. I can also see the fete outgrowing its current venue very quickly.
Will I Go Back?: ABSOLUTELY!
RATING: 4.5/5
SOAKA STREET FESTIVAL
Type: Cooler Wet Fete
Price: $128.95
Location: Serpentine Road, St. Clair
Timing: 3AM - 9AM
The Best Of it: Amazing, amazing, AMAZING. What can I say about this fete that I haven’t already said before? This is a wet fete of the highest order, pulsating with energy and encapsulating total freedom. We arrived around 4:30am and we were able to get into the venue pretty seamlessly as Haeven patrons. It was so good, we did not even realize just how long we were actually there until we left; lo and behold it was about 10am. I could have stayed even longer.
I cannot capture the pure essence of the fete in a picture or video but believe me when I say it was UP! While it is not a cheap cooler fete, I believe it is more than worth it. We arrived early enough to enjoy a few drink samples, as well as an alcoholic coconut drink. There were also several food vendors we had access to (for free), such as KFC.
Watching Mical Teja, Bunji Garlin and Kes perform as the sun rose over the Savannah was a glorious feeling.
The Worst Of It: This fete is always in high demand therefore getting tickets is difficult and often impossible without connections or help via concierges.
Will I Go Back?: Sign me up right now!
RATING: 6/5
SOCA BRUNCH
Type: All-Inclusive Fete
Price: $160.45
Location: U-Pick Farm, Chaguaramas
Timing: 2PM - 8PM
The Best Of it: Overall, it was a decent fete. I came in with high expectations based on others’ reviews in 2023, however I left feeling disappointed. While it was not a bad fete, I couldn’t help but feel like I could have been back in my room catching up on rest.
I did love how easy it was to get drinks at the main bar. I also enjoyed the prosecco bar, although that was way more crowded. It was lovely to see Problem Child perform! That was a nice surprise.
The Worst Of It: Unfortunately, the food court area was quite small. All the lines melded together and it created a big disorganized mess. I didn’t get a chance to eat much because of the long lines and slow service.
Another issue I had was the repetitive music. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of soca songs released every year. I can promise you with every fibre of my being that we will be unharmed and emotionally well with music outside the top 25. It was so predictable my friend could tell me the next 2-3 songs in the loop and he was right without fail. Every 10 songs was Bunji Garlin’s “Carnival Contract” and I was tired.
And my 13th reason: no Don Julio tequila in the Don Julio tent. Make it make sense?
Will I Go Back?: Not likely
RATING: 2.75/5
POST CARNIVAL RELIEF
Type: Food-Inclusive Pool Fete
Price: $90.25
Location: Hilton Pool, POS
Timing: 12PM - 6PM
The Best Of it: I cannot emphasize enough how much of a difference it makes to go to a venue you don’t frequent often! This was my first time in the Hilton pool area and so that newness and not knowing what to expect was exciting.
What I loved most about this fete was the diversity of the music. After hearing nonstop soca music for days, a break in the monotony was welcomed. While still primarily soca music, I heard a splash of hip hop, a dash of dancehall and a hint of pop and I had a time.
The Worst Of It: I am a hypocrite because I did not go in the pool, but I expected to see more people in the pool 🥲 I was expecting more of a pool-party vibe: neon light splashing in the pool, water guns and balloons, pina coladas. Instead, it felt a bit disjointed and lacking…something.
Will I Go Back?: I could take it or leave it.
RATING: 3/5
LAS JAM
Type: Drinks-Inclusive “Road” March
Price: $72.54
Location: Hasely Crawford Stadium, POS
Timing: 4:30PM - 11PM
The Best Of it: Imagine Carnival Monday at night! In Grenada, it is Monday night mas; in Trinidad, it is Las Jam organized by Tribe. But in a stadium. One last hurrah to truly wrap up the end of the carnival season. The excitement of getting dressed up and looking and feeling cute made me reminisce about being on the road just days before, which is part of the thrill of the fete.
From what I [barely] recall, there were about 3 music trucks and 3 drinks trucks and there was a sizeable crowd. The music was really good, the servings from the food trucks were large (not free, fyi) and the drinks were STRONG.
Speaking of the drinks: when I tell you the bartenders were heavy handed, I mean I am positive they had a staff meeting hours before and made it their sole purpose to get everyone wasted (lol). Sustainability: no bottles shall go to waste!
The night was a bit of a blur but I remember a self-serve liquor truck, some cool-looking carts and the highlight: CROSSING THE SOCADROME STAGE. I had a wonderful time.
The Worst Of It: I may be aging out but I saw a lot of young people, some looking barely out of high school. Overall, I didn’t mind but combined with strong drinks, it got annoying quickly.
Will I Go Back?: If I plan on a long(er) trip to Trinidad for carnival, it’s a fun fete to attend. But will I extend my stay BECAUSE of it? Probably not.
RATING: 4/5
Trinidad 2025 planning is in full speed and fete tickets are being released every week...actually, every day! Make sure you check out the Trinidad Carnival 2025 Fete Calendar to purchase your tickets! If you are going for the first time, I hope these reviews are helpful to you in your decisions. If you have been to these fetes, let me know what you think!
See you at a fete or two in 2025!
Sandi 🖤
