Before you ask…I am NOT playing mas this year! I know, I know I say that every year. But I’m serious this year. If you’re new to my blog, know that I’m very much a Caribbean woman. I’m also what you would call a “carnival baby” having participated in costume at carnival festivals since I was 2 years old. My dad Walter Elliott is also a veteran ‘mas man.’ Even though I’m not playing mas in Toronto this year…I can still admire the costumes.
Carnival season is already in full swing in the Caribbean. We’ve already seen carnivals in Trinidad, Jamaica, etc come and go. (As seen in an episode of my talk show earlier this year) Having grown up in St.Vincent & The Grenadines I’ve got a close eye on the upcoming celebration there. I’m highly biased towards Mirage Productions (run by my cousin) and Oxygen Mas (run by my longtime friend and neighbour.) Let me tell you Vincy Mas 2018 is gonna be blazing hot! Really impressed at the quality and creativity from all the bands. Wish I could be there!
Anyway, this post is strictly about the costume presentations for Toronto Caribbean Carnival 2018. The big parade happens this year on Saturday August 4th. I recommend following @thekaribbeankollective for up to date pictures from the various band launches in the region for the rest of the season.
Keep in mind all the Toronto bands haven’t launched their costumes yet for the season, so I will add to this post as they do. Band launch season is pretty much fashion week for carnival costumes. All the participating bands (or groups) present their offerings for this year’s Toronto Caribbean carnival. Then would-be masqueraders look through and select the band, and subsequently the costume, they want to wear for “Caribana” this year.
In no particular order. Here are my faves so far. Let me know if I’ve left out any new bands:
Check this link for the other options in this section Myths Of The Sea
Check this link for the other options in this section ABELLA
Check this link for the other options in this section OCEAN BLISS
Check this link for the other options in this section VENUS FLYTRAP
Check the link for the other options in this section LABYRINTH
Check the link for the other options in this section DU SAILOR
Check the link for the other options in this section ELEMENTS OF PSION
Check the link for the other options in this section QUEEN PERSEPHONE
Check the link for the other options in this section RED ARMY
Check the link for the other options in this section SAMURAI
Thanks fore reading! Keep checking back for more updates on this post!
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