After three longggg years, Notting Hill Carnival is finally back! *insert bashment horns*

In honour of this, I’ve decided that it’s time for my return too

So with that being said, here’s your mini guide to Notting Hill Carnival. Suitable for first time attendee or those who have been before but need a refresher, masqueraders and spectators alike.

I’m not going to go into the history of NHC as there are PLENTY of resources out there for that. But I would like to dispel this strange myth that it is a celebration of Black British culture, it is not. Never has been. Since the first Indoor Caribbean Carnival curated by the late, great Claudia Jones right up until NHC as we know it today, it is a celebration of Caribbean culture and I need for you to understand this before going any further in this post.

Now that we’ve gotten the formalities out of the way, let’s get into the fun stuff!

Your Guide to Mas

This list has been created with the help of some true carnivalistas on Twitter and Insta. Follow it and you’ll be fine this weekend 🫶🏽🫶🏽

First things first, NEVER refer to it as ‘carni’. The world is carnival and it has a rich and important history, don’t diminish it because you don’t feel like saying an extra syllable.

Next, the language. There are words associate with carnival, if you want to appear as if you know what you’re doing, learn these.

• Mas – Short for ‘masquerade’ which is the art of concealing oneself. It also refers to carnival as the whole concept of carnival was concealing ones identity with costume
• ‘Playing Mas’ – the act of participating in carnival
• Jouvert – In French this means the ‘breaking of day/dawn’. During carnival, jouvert takes place in the early morning. You’ll see revellers throwing paint and powder on each other whilst walking through the streets of Notting Hill
• Chip – (verb) to walk during carnival with rhythm behind the truck (the with rhythm part is important!)
• Truck – NOT FLOAT. The big thing on wheels, blasting music. They’re pretty hard to miss. Be sure to stay out of their way when they’re turning otherwise you may lose a toe
• (Mas) Bands – The groups of people you see playing mas (in costume)
• Soca – If you don’t know what this then you shouldn’t be at carnival
• Feathers – There are two kinds, Backpacks or Headpieces (images below)

Tips and Tricks

• MIND PEOPLE’S FEATHERS!!!! They’re expensive so don’t be acting careless around them
• Wear comfy shoes. It’s a LOT of walking. You may wanna do guy but your feet will humble you very quickly if you’re not careful
• Wear a fanny pack/sidebag – Packed with; portable charger, tissues, hand gel, vaseline, cash (leave your card at home you will lose it)
• Regulate your drinking. Carnival runs from 10/11am to 8pm, if you get drunk right at the beginning you’ll ruin your whole experience. And the experience of whoever you’re with
• Go with people you like – This may sound silly but it’s a long day. Arguing with your mates is not the one
• EAT – Again, it’s a long day. Don’t come and faint in the people carnival
• Know how you’re getting home. Reception around there is rubbish so make sure you know routes home from various roads/stations. Don’t get stranded lads

• Keep out the ropes. People paid big money for their costumes etc. Don’t ruin their experience by fassin up yourself in the ropes. The official term for this is storming, it’s trampy don’t do it

• Stay hydrated. Yes alcohol is fun but staying alive is funner x
• Watch yuh tings. Pickpockets are activeeee this weekend. Don’t put anything in your back pockets and hold your phone tight
• Tidy your room. Yep you read correctly. After all that walking you don’t want to come home to mess
• And lastly, Consent is Sexy. Keep your hands to yourself. Yes you can have a cheeky whine but don’t be a creep!

Tips for those playing mas

The tips above apply to you but here are some tailored to masqueraders

• Stay inside the ropes – It’s safer for you and your feathers
• Take note of the bands around you. If you do come out of the ropes knowing who’s around will help you find your way ‘home’
• Familiarise yourself with the history. NHC is more than just gems and feathers
• Be careful of the truck. Again, you will lose a toe
• Get in your section! Judging point is important. When the time comes, make sure you’re in the right place
• Backpack etiquette. Yes it’s big, but that doesn’t mean you need to be hitting everyone with it. Be mindful of how you’re walking through the crowd

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That ended up being longer than I planned, but I hope it was helpful!

Here are my two favourite mixes right now to help you revise for the weekend. They come with tracklists because these DJs have manners

See you on the road!

HD x