On a few occasions, I’ve been a spectator of Jamaica Carnival road parade, but never gave much thought into joining before 2016. After having the idea of going instilled into me by 2 friends who were no longer able to attend, I still wanted to “do mas”. Looking at the associated costs of jumping in the parade, it’s an understatement that I was SHOOKETH! Buying a 1-day package upwards of $100USD wasn’t a part of the not-yet-existent plan. With jump day nearing, options were running short. The opportunity arose to volunteer for the pioneers of local carnival, Jamaica Carnival, with less than a week to go… guess who jumped on?!

Jamaica Carnival: Jumping on the Job

Aware of restrictions of working while chipping dung the road, any bit of parade work seemed way better than being home hearing the party trucks in the distance. With restrictions of where patrons can join the parade, and having to consider acquiring food & beverages along the way, being a spectator didn’t seem like the ideal option to fulljoy the experience.

Jamaica Carnival’s band started chippin’ from Hope Botanical Gardens at 12pm, marching along the usually-busy Hope Road. With top-notch djs such as Supahype, Kurt Riley, Jumo, and Dj Spice, plus performances by Beenie Man, Alison Hinds, Bunji Garlin, Faye-Ann Lyons, and Iwer George, the vibes never stalled!

What does a Carnival Marshall do?

My role as a marshall mostly involved holding a rope bordering the truck, monitoring persons on the inside of said rope to ensure safety. This required wearing an identifying t-shirt, but that didn’t mean I had to look and feel plain! With simple make up, a few eye-catching accessories, and a dash of fun outfit elements, I was dressed for work in the spirit of a festive occasion.

The role in no way meant that one couldn’t enjoy the carnival experience. I shamelessly sang along with every tune while moving to the energizing beats. Everyone was provided at frequent intervals with water and spiked fruit juices as we danced in the afternoon sun.

Ready fi di Road with Jamaica Carnival

Dancing in the streets made for one great party throughout the corporate area. The designated lunch stop near the Hope Road – Waterloo intersection was reached at 4pm. That’s roughly 4 hours to “walk” 5 km, just to give you an idea of the partying with each step. Marshalls, like revellers, are provided with a lunch meal and a short break. After maybe 30 minutes, marshalls had to regain positions around the trucks to anticipate the continuing party.

Marching along Waterloo Road, turning onto South Avenue then Constant Spring Road, we jammed up until 8pm. The parade ends with a huge street dance engulfing the Half Way Tree town centre. Popular soca and dancehall music plays, infecting the massive crowd with newfound energy to show off all their moves.

The experience is one you’d have to have first-hand to fully appreciate; photos and stories don’t capture just how grand the occasion is. I would love to do road march again, whether as a reveler or a marshall.

Like this article? Pin for future travel plans!