KINGSTON, Jamaica — As we get ready to enter the weekend, this year’s Carnival season is set to climax with the highly-anticipated Road March on Sunday.

Costume pickups have begun and the ladies, and gents, are putting the final touches on their seasonal preparations for the big day. But just in case the last lap has you a little bit flustered and you cannot remember all the feting essentials you need to maximise your experience on the road, don’t worry, we got you covered.

There are some things you absolutely cannot do without when you’re playing mas and lucky for you, we have put together a list to ensure you are truly ready for the road.

Here are our picks for top Carnival essentials:

1. Portable fan — In case you haven’t noticed, the heat is on! The streets of Kingston will be crowded with masqueraders and that can make things all the more overwhelming when it comes to scorching temperatures. In order to alleviate any discomfort, a portable fan is a must-have. This item will keep you cool as you chip down the streets of the Corporate Area with your crew.
2. Deodorant/ perfume/ body spray/ hand sanitiser — We already told you about the heat and the latter goes hand-in-hand with perspiration. No one wants to sweat so much, they begin to smell. In order to keep smelling as fresh throughout the day as you did when you started your journey, one must absolutely carry deodorant and perfume or body splash. As we are on the topic of good hygiene, another road essential is hand sanitiser. You don’t want to catch any nasty viruses that may be swirling around.
3. Portable mobile charger — While you’re capturing moments that you no doubt want to re-live, no one wants to be caught off guard by a dead battery and so a portable charger is vital.
4. Numbing cream or spray — Try as you may to purchase comfortable footwear, the wear-and-tear from the road will take its toll eventually. It will help if one has something to soothe your sore feet. We highly recommend it.
5. Sunscreen — This is self-explanatory. I mean, you’ll be out in the sun for the entire day. You’d be mad not to protect your skin from the unrelenting heat. Sunscreen is top priority.
6. Tissue or wet wipes — Again, proper hygiene is a good road ethic. Ladies and gentlemen wet wipes and tissue will come in quite handy on your journey especially when you have to make those quick restroom stops. Do not forget these.
7. Hangover relief meds — While we recommend responsible drinking, with the Carnival trucks serving up endless drinks, it’s easy to get carried away. That’s why hangover medication is essential. Stick some in your fanny-pack or cross bag and thank me later.
8. Sewing kit — Ladies we know how handy these can be especially when it comes to those ‘ity-bitty’ costumes. The last thing we want is to find ourselves needing to make an emergency adjustment or alteration and no tools. This is another must-have.
9. And last on our list but definitely not least is — emergency money. While the Carnival Road March is an all-inclusive event. One must always walk with some cash for any eventuality that may arise. You do not want to find yourselves in a position where you need some money and you do not have any. Tuck some notes away in your boots or sneakers. It can’t hurt.