It’s Carnival again…

This weekend saw the penultimate event in the annual 3-week Caribbean festival in Toronto, Canada: the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Parade, formerly known as Caribana. Dancing is a great way to keep fit and experience the local culture while travelling.

See Weal World Dance

However, if you will be whining and chippin’ down the road with the other revellers, there are a few things to do to ensure you don’t end up on a stretcher in the back of a mobile First Aid cart (as so many do every year.)

• Stay well hydrated.
  It’s not just water that is lost through sweat, it’s electrolytes too. Fill your water bottle with a non-alcoholic tequila shot (a pinch of sea salt, clean water and lemon/lime juice), carry a banana and have some orange slices ready.
• Protect yourself from the sun.
  Wear a sports sun screen, wear a hat and seek shade whenever possible (particularly during midday when the sun is at its highest and hottest.) See also, Here Comes the Sun…Run for Cover.
• Stay cool.
  Certain travel shops will carry battery operated mini-fans. They fit easily into pockets and you will be glad you have one with you (while others will be envious).
• Pace yourself.
  It can be a long hot day so take breaks, drink water and wear comfortable and breathable shoes.

And so it begins…
Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Cinderella lost her jewels
Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Dancing legs and confetti
Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Other festivals featuring sequins, dancing and very little clothing:

*Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Rio Carnival

*Trinidad & Tobago
Carnival

Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

Here they come…
Photo by Kimberley (c)2014

…and there they go.
Photo by Kimberley (c)2014