Fete Guide
All-Inclusive Fetes
These fetes are the most expensive. This is due to the unlimited premium food and drinks that are included in the ticket price. They usually have live performances of the most popular soca artistes of the season with a minimum of one headlining band.
These fetes can many times turn into a fashion parade, where one-of-a-kind pieces from local designers are showcased. Think high-end, chic resort wear for daytime fetes and sexy designer clubesque wear for nighttime fetes. Comfortable footwear is a must and these usually appear in the form of wedges or fashionable flats/sandals. Shorts are always a good choice for both men and women.
Semi-Inclusive Fete
These fetes are inclusive of either food or drinks and this is reflected in the ticket price. Sometimes they provide ice and chaser and require you to bring your own spirits. Whether the drinks are premium quality really depends on the fete itself. These fetes will also have live performances, sometimes even more performances the all-inclusive in order to make up for the missing amenities. It will usually only have one headlining band.
The dress code is a slightly more relaxed version of the all-inclusive. While still very stylish, you will see more flats than you would at an all-inclusive.
Cooler Fete
These fetes encourage you to come fully stocked. Your cooler should have your liquor (in plastic bottles), chaser, ice and the most forgotten and most important ingredient WATER! The ticket price is a fraction of that of an inclusive fete and thusly has much larger crowds. There is usually food for sale and bar areas to purchase anything you forgot (at a markup obviously). Usually there are live performances here as well. The headlining band will be heavily advertised.
Cooler fete attire is much more relaxed. A pair of nice jeans or shorts with a crop top will be fine. Depending on the promoter the tops may get a little fancier but the key is to be comfortable! You will be dancing and drinking for an extended period. Make sure your shoes allow you to wine on top of the cooler and carry your drunk friend outside (which you won’t have to do if you brought that water!).
Boat Cruise Fetes
Essentially these are cooler fetes on the open ocean. It is unlikely there will be any live performances. Ticket prices are also similar. Remember that it is a boat and it will probably rock, so get footwear to suit. Beachwear tends to be the consensus for these events.
Wet Fetes
As the name suggests, the patrons of these fetes go with the intention of getting drenched! The fetes are usually held in the early hours of the morning so the sun can eventually warm you up. These can be ‘cooler’ or drinks inclusive. They usually do not offer food and may or may not have live performances. The amenities provided depend solely on the promoter.
** There is usually a dry zone where patrons who aren’t up for the water can remain, but where’s the fun in that? **
Dress to get WET. Remember that you will get AND STAY wet. Beachwear with throw-overs or shorts is very common. Although flip flops would be most people’s go to, we urge you to think about how much dancing you intend to do. Most flip flops are slippery when wet and make it very difficult for you to dance after the first spray. If you have makeup on, please make sure that it’s waterproof. Trust us, sunglasses can’t save you from running mascara.
J'ouvert Fetes
These fetes mimic the Carnival Monday morning experience, maybe for those who decide they can’t make j’ouvert and mas. Most times they are inclusive of drinks and breakfast but do not offer live performances. Unlike j’ouvert however, there is usually only paint and water.
Just as you would for j’ouvert, plan for these clothes to be ruined. Although the paint is advertised as ‘water soluble’ most of the time it never comes all the way off. The same goes for the footwear so an old pair of sneakers is most advisable. A package including your top/vest will be provided but the rest is up to you. Oh and if you didn’t intend on getting rainbow coloured hair you should probably put on a bandanna or maybe even a shower cap variation.