Whilst I’m seriously looking forward to a luscious pancake or two, it has to be said that many places will be knocking the pancake race into a cocked hoop (as they say) by stepping into full-on Carnaval mode to mark the start of Lent.

Starting this year (2023) on February 16, Carnaval was originally a Western Christian festive season marking the start of Lent (Shrovetide). Parades, parties, costumes and masks sit alongside drinking, overeating, and other indulgences and excesses. Pancakes, donuts, and more are prepared and eaten for a final time to use up foods that won’t be eaten during lent.

One of the most famous carnavals is Venice Carnival from where the Italian tradition of wearing masks emerged, dates back to the 15th century. And let’s not forget Mardi Gras in lots of places, but notably New Orleans.

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Carnaval is a wonderful mix of history, religion, excess and tradition, even politics, largely regional, but whilst we’d love to spend time sharing the history and excitement, here at easyStorage what we can really help with is caring for the trappings: the ‘things’ that make up Carnaval from float decorations to costumes, and keeping them safe both before Carnaval and for future use.

1.       Packing a carnival /carnaval mask for keeping

Sequins. Lace. Feathers. Things attached to masks can be squished, squashed and crushed, all of which needs to be avoided if we’re going to keep our masks for next year.

The best way to store masks  is in a cardboard box – a shoe or boot box, depending on size, is ideal. Wrap the mask well with clean tissue paper or packing paper and pad out the box with shredded or rolled paper to prevent the mask hitting the sides when being moved.

2.       Feathers

Symbolic of  the ability to persevere and rise above anything and even of the ability to take flight on ‘the journey into spiritual rebirth’, large feathers are stronger than they look.

However, if they are natural feathers, treating them for mites before storing is highly advisable. Certain natural oils like citronella, eucalyptus, neem and the like are good insect deterrents, as are cedar balls, cinnamon sticks, lavender bags and cloves. Obviously care needs to be taken with all of these things to use as indicated/carefully so as not to accidentally damage the things you’re saving.

Again, find boxes to fit, and to protect the feathers, wrap them in clean tissue paper, wrapping paper or paper bags, and pad the box with paper sealing in any extra extras like cedar balls. This should keep the feathers from getting bashed.

3.       Costumes

Make sure any costumes are clean and dry before packing, and make any repairs now. Folding with tissue paper will help prevent sequins or hooks catching on pieces of fabric. Keep in a box in a cool, dry place.

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4.       Float props

From fringes to signage, toadstools to artificial trees, packing your props aways for next year makes sense, but do it well. Make sure everything is clean and dry before storing, and protect with cloths, in boxes, wrapped in blankets – whatever it takes to keep your prop safe and in shape. We’d also recommend making any repairs before packing.

Natural wrappings like paper and cloth will usually be far better for packing than plastic, which can deteriorate and stick to whatever it’s covering, especially if painted..

5.       Food and Alcohol

Really? You have alcohol left? Share it out and drink it down (over time if need be), especially if the bottles are open. Once the air gets in, there’s not much likelihood of your alcohol stash making it to this time next year. Of course if it’s full bottles, unopened and still sealed, take a look at the labels, but a year’s a long time to keep it!

And foodstuffs: throw them away. Give them away. Foodstuffs aren’t generally best kept. And let’s face it, Shrove Tuesday is about using it all up!

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How easyStorage can help

easyStorage can help in two ways: somewhere to keep your canaval gear safe until needed again. And with packing materials (https://easystorageboxes.com/).

You may already have a custom space for costumes and props. If so, make sure it’s clean and dry. But if you haven’t, easyStorage is at hand with storage across the country at around half the price of traditional self-storage. Even better, easyStorage collects and returns your goods.

For a no obligation quote, 24/7, our website has a handy tool for working out what storage will cost in your area.  https://book.easystorage.com/

Alternatively, dial 0330 058 3101 to speak with one of our storage specialists.