Carnival Monday 2027: Parade of the Bands

What it is

Carnival Monday, 8 February 2027, is the first day of the Parade of the Bands. Once J'ouvert washes off, mas bands gather again and move through Port of Spain to soca from their music trucks and DJs. Most masqueraders wear "Monday wear", a lighter version of the costume or a band-designed outfit, and save the full pretty mas for Tuesday.

What to expect

Monday has a looser, more playful feel than Tuesday. The day is really about the road party: chipping along with your section, stopping at the drinks truck, and singing every word of the season's big tunes. Plenty of people treat it as a warm-up after the all-night J'ouvert, so the energy builds through the afternoon.

Start points, routes and assembly times are set by each band and the National Carnival Commission, and are usually published close to Carnival.

Tips

• Sleep after J'ouvert if you can. Monday mas often runs into the evening and Tuesday starts early.
• Sunscreen, comfortable broken-in shoes and plenty of water matter more than anything else you pack.
• Stay with your section and note your band's name and truck in case you get separated.