Vincy Mas officially launches on the first weekend in May and then the slate of shows begins. The first major show on the calendar is Miss SVG. With tickets between $35 to $45, a new outfit and the allowance for drinkings I am spending $200 at a minimum. (I could just stay home an order the Flow package for $35).
The following show is Soca Swing at Victoria Park. I would have to buy tickets and drinks for this show so that is another $100. The next weekend is White on the Dock which is not all inclusive so between tickets and drinks, I have to cater another $100.
The next weekend has the must see show of the Carnival Season, Neon Rave. If you were lucky to get an early bird ticket that would cost you $0. However I was not that fortunate so I would either pay $50, $60 or $75 for a ticket. With the number of cameras and camera phones around, I would have to look good and cater for drinks so this will cost me at least $200 for this show.
With promoters trying to ensure that revelers have events to attend there are several non inclusive events such as Soca on the Beach, H2O Soca, Dirty Sexy Soca , Bun Wuk and Ati-Stush. For each of these parties I would have to cover ticket costs and drinks costs. While some are fairly reasonable ($25) some will make you stretch your pockets such as H2O Soca.
Then there are the must attend all inclusive parties for the Carnival Season. Carnival Xscape, Slippery When Wet, UV Vibes, and AM Jamboree which will all happen over the '10 days of fun in the July sun.' Each of these parties will cost a minimum of $150 with AM Jamboree costing $200 for an early bird ticket.
And then there are the CDC shows: Fantastic Friday, Miss Carival, Soca Monarch and Dimance Gras. While I may not make Sunday night for calypso (after a drunken Slippery When Wet), Miss Carival and Soca Monarch are don't miss on the calendar with tickets starting at $35 for Miss Carival and $40 for Soca Monarch. And what's Carnival without jumping J'ouvert either with Country Meets Town or RJR? You have to take on the road on Monday morning revelling in paint, mud and the most outrageous costume that I can find. Monday afternoon will see me doing Monday jams with the Network SVG which was an excellent experience last year.
Tuesday brings down the curtains on Vincy Mas with Mardi Gras. Playing mas is an experience and depends on what you are looking for costumes and the experience can run you anywhere from $375 to $900. You only live once so you might as well spend to be on the road.
So after all that lets calculate my bill for Vincy Mas 2015
SHOWS Cost *
CDC Shows - Ms. SVG $35
Fantastic Friday $30
Ms. Carival $35
Soca Monarch $40
Private Shows Soca Swing $30
White on the Dock $40
Neon Rave $50
H2O Soca $60
Soca On the Beach $40
Dirty Sexy Soca $15
Bun Wuk Warm Up $25
Bun Wuk Cool Down $25
All Inclusives Slippery When Wet $150
Carnival Xscape $175
Am Jamboree $240
UV Vibes $150
J'ouvert $40
Network $40
Costume for Tuesday $400
Outfits for Carnival $600
Drinks Money $700 ($50 minimum for each show)
Total Cost for My Carnival Experience $2920
* Costs are based on published prices where available as well as estimates based on 2014 prices.
While some persons may say that is a small price to pay I think I can invest that amount in a more rewarding way. While $3000 may represent a small price to pay for fun, one has to remember that there are bills to be paid, groceries to be bought and other expenses that will arise from time to time.
So I will choose only the shows that I really want to attend and try and make my wardrobe as versatile as possible. I won't be getting a loan because debt today = death tomorrow. Choose wisely for Vincy Mas and your pocket will thank you.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to talk about the prices of parties here and what promoters are offering but to look at personal financial responsibility in a season where spending comes as natural as drinking water!
