The excitement at the Carnival GLAMHub was palpable when almost 200 Bacchanal Jamaica and Xodus revellers flocked the Jamaica Pegasus ballroom to get primped and polished for Sunday’s Jamaica Carnival Road March.

Top make-up professionals, hairstylists, barbers, and body art specialists put their artistry on full display painting faces and braiding hair for masqueraders. The hub got going from as early as 6:00 am, though activity peaked at about 9:00 am. The ballroom has been the home of the Carnival GLAMHub since its launch in 2018. The hub — the brainchild of Gabrielle Waite and Kibwe McGann — is the region’s most sought-after concierge service offering masqueraders “all the trappings of customised salon-type service”. The one-stop shop takes the hassle out of getting ready for the road, offering make-up and hairstyling services, changing rooms, changing assistants, seamstresses, photographers, shuttle service to select locations, breakfast, and complimentary mimosas on entry.

“After a two-year Jamaica Carnival hiatus, we are grateful for the support from sponsors, make-up artists, hairstylists, barbers, and of course our kings and queens who turned out to get glammed,” shared Carnival GLAMHub director Gabrielle Waite. “We are excited for next year as we plan a bigger, better premium experience for all.”

In anticipation of Carnival 2023, Saturday Social shares scenes from the GLAMHub plus more highlights from an afternoon of people-watching outside the Jamaica Pegasus.