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Highlights from Hollywood Carnival 2018

(Courtesy of YouTube)

Yuh Wan Speed?

Yuh Wan Speed?

Here's your look at Soca and Dancehall classes in CA.

Can't wait until Carnival to bust a whine?

                                                                   JukGyal 

There's no doubt that traveling on the road for carnival is not for the faint at heart. With more than 72 hours of festivities that lead up to the main event, there's no question your stamina and endurance will be tested on di road.

Here are a few events round town that will get you Carnival-ready.

Island Groove

This L.A. based class is unique aerobic class inspired by the free-spirited energy of carnival.

Island Gyal Fitness

This L.A. based class celebrates island culture with pride. Bring a towel and a flag. Be prepared to dance with choreographed moves that will keep you coming back.

JukGyal

This is L.A. based class combines choreographed moves with circuit and strength training. It is unique to most local dance fitness classes in that it is Social Media driven and tours cities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Sip & Soca w/ Betty Rox

This is a pop-up event that combines a lesson of choreographed moves with a live-DJ experience and great island cuisine. 

Let's Hear It For The Bands

Let's Hear It For The Bands

Your Complete Guide to the Bands Performing In Hollywood Carnival 2018

No matter the size, this year's line up of bands are a fresh collective of new, long-awaited returners, and Carnival favorites. Each band's brand is unique. 

Bands bring the beauty, folklore and culture of the island to life. Some bands are stand-alone masqueraders and operate independently. Others bands are mash ups of several bands that perform collectively. 

Here's your complete guide to the bands performing in Hollywood Carnival 2018.

Bamboo Mas

Chez Zen Mas

Epic Mas Band

Goldy Mas

Extasy Mas

Hollywood Massive

Mirage

Seduction Mas

Trinifeters 

Winery Mas

So You Want to Play in Hollywood Carnival

So You Wanna Play in Hollywood Carnival

                                                          Machel Montano-Mr. Fete

Whether you've been moved to join in on the festivities by the buzz surrounding this year's event or you're just trying to catch a vibe of island life in the Sunshine state, Hollywood Carnival 2018 may go down on record as a "DO NOT MISS" event. 

Both out-of-townies and Cali natives alike should not miss this extraordinary affair of hypnotizing Soca music, non-stop fetes (parties), savory island cuisine and a glamorous Parade of the Bands. 

With the grand affair being just days away, here's what you need to know in order to have a great time.

1. Know the basics.

Would you join a Mariachi band and not know Spanish? Learn the lingo and meaning behind        expressions like "jab jab." Hollywood Carnival takes place this year during Caribbean Heritage month, so getting to know Caribbean culture would be a plus.

2. Join a band.

Watching from the crowd is always fun, but why not join a band? Each band's brand is unique. Bands are charged with the task of bringing the beauty, the folklore and the culture of the Caribbean to life in a colorful and creative way. They come in all sizes: small, mid-size, large or massive. Find a band that suits your taste and get readi fi di road!

3. Have a plan...and a budget.

If you decided to do #2, this includes a diet, sleep, and workout budget.

Assemble your squadron. Paying for fetes and costumes can get expensive. Your plan should include which fetes, coolers, and limes you will attend and whether you will participate in Jouvert. 

Going solo? No problem. There are plenty of new friends that await you on the road. Solo masqueraders, like all masqueraders, need to mindful of safety on the road. Carry minimal cash and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Planning these activities may seem like a small task but coordinating travel (and sleep) in advance with save you time, money, and energy.

Tip: If you decide to join a band, ask if there are any band events that are included in your costume package.

4. Have a great time! 

Carnival is no time to be stush! Enjoy the sights and sounds of the variety of talent displayed and the thrill of bacchanal. Let your inhibitions go on di road! After all, it only happens in Hollywood once a year.