My mother at carnival in Grenada a year after I was born.
Notting Hill Carnival evolved from a way for Afro-Caribbean communities in the UK to celebrate their own cultures and traditions to becoming the largest street festival in Europe. Since I could walk, I’ve been ‘chipping’ (small marching steps to the beat of the music) down the streets of London, with my flag in hand, behind a truck with a massive sound system. And, even when I couldn’t walk I would cry watching my mother ‘chipping’ away because I was too young to take part. Carnival is in my blood and bones so as you can imagine I can hardly contain my excitement for tomorrow’s festivities.
Today is preparation day, and my favourite nail parlour MWnails have also caught the carnival fever with these fun designs inspired by Notting Hill Carnival. I’m heading down there to see if talented nail artist Afia can attempt the Grenadian flag on my tiny nails. I’m much more of a T-shirt reveller so I will be joining a paint mas band, but for those of you who will be in costume for the first time this year or considered joining a costume band next year. Here are some handy tips from experienced Caribbean carnival queens on how to prep your body and fitness for carnival.
Heidi Walcott – Trinidad
‘Don’t wait until the day of carnival to exercise! A month before the big day, exercise 5-7 days a week! Mix it up between cardio strength training and stretching. I usually replace a meal with a salad and protein and two weeks before replace two meals with salad and protein/soup. Women should stop strength training about 2-3 days before so your muscles aren’t swollen, bulky and too masculine. To survive on the road, every so often get some H2O/electrolytes in your body. You will last longer, not to mention have less of a recovery time. Without it you will feel drained, dehydrated and weak instead of jumping up enjoying your self! If you prepare your body, all that’s left to do is enjoy how great you will look in your costume!’
Jadine Ferguson – Grenada
‘I cut out lots of meat from my diet and eat mainly seafood and fish to prep my body for carnival. I cut down on red meat and eat it once a week. I don’t overdo it with the exercising, but I do regular breathing exercises and ab workouts. My advice is to build your alcohol tolerance up before carnival. I’ve been partying for a solid month before Grenada spicemas. But try not to drink too many mixed drinks on the road. Stay hydrated and drink lots of water.’
Aiasha Gustave – St Lucia
‘A lot of people start prepping a couple months before so they can look their utmost best on the road and I’m guilty of that too sometimes, but I find jogging and core exercises have a huge role in getting you stronger and full of energy to go the whole route! WATER WATER WATER WATER! It’s your life supply at carnival especially if it’s a hot day and you’re drinking lots of alcohol.’
Naomi Wilson – UK
‘I prepare my body by staying off carbohydrates the week before carnival. Overall I try and keep the carbs to a minimum and increase my protein intake. Leading up to Notting Hill Carnival I have been on a fresh fruit and raw vegetable juice diet. I’ve been going to the gym 4 times a week, which consists of 30 minutes cardio and 45minutes of weight training. Its grueling but hopefully the results will pay off. To keep up on the road I go to as many fetes as I can leading up to carnival so I’m prepared for the non-stop dancing. To survive the day get enough rest the night before. Having bags under your eyes does not look pretty even with beautiful make-up. Wear comfortable shoes and don’t drink too much so your always camera ready. Ensure there is a male in easy reach to keep your waistline busy and as an aid when you get tired.’