Stock your dance party with spicy, fortifying Caribbean foods.
Carnival is closely associated with the Caribbean, so it may come as a surprise to learn that the Carnival celebration actually originated in Italy. As the Italians and their fellow Europeans began to migrate to other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, they brought with them African slaves. Because of this, the Caribbean Carnival became infused with the history and traditions of the African culture. Your Caribbean-themed dance should feature the tropical décor and spicy foods of the region.
Costumes
Feathers are a traditional part of Carnival dress in the Caribbean, particularly the tall, ornate, feathered headdresses worn by the women who participate in the traditional parade. Other styles that invoke the Caribbean include tropical prints, grass sunhats, Reggae-style dreadlocks and hats, and grass skirts. In the tropics, light colors are standard, so consider a tailored white linen suit accented with bright turquoise or fuchsia.
Decorations
Vivid colors should rule when decorating for your Caribbean-themed dance. Green, blues, fuchsias and yellows will bring to mind the sun-dappled tropics. Floral centerpieces can consist of exotic blooms, including bird of paradise and hibiscus. Bowls of colorful tropical fruit such as pineapples and mangos will also give your dance a festive feel, as will strategically-placed potted palm trees or palm tree decorations. For ambient lighting, consider candles anchored in dishes filled with tropical white sand.
Food
Caribbean food reflects the multi-national flavors of the settlers to the region. African, French, Spanish and East Indian spices and techniques are incorporated. Rice is a staple of the Caribbean, and the neutral flavor helps balance out the spicier flavors, so have plenty on hand. Jerk chicken is a well-known tropical dish that will fortify your guests. Also plan for plenty of foods featuring coconut, plantains, mangos, and an abundance of the seafood that the natives of the Caribbean are privileged to enjoy.
Music
For dance music you can go old-school and play some Harry Bellefonte-style calypso, or you can spin modern dance songs that feature a fun reggae or island-themed musical motif. Steel drum music is closely associated with the Caribbean - if you can afford it, live steel drums are an authentic inclusion to your dance playlist. If you'd like to schedule an hour or two of dining before the dancing kicks in, consider playing some ambient ocean sounds with tropical birds to bring to mind the exotic islands.
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