Build-a-Mas

BaM! DIY costume concept hits Toronto Caribbean Carnival

Build-a-Mas is an alternative carnival experience utilizing DIY costume kits/workshops to allow people to make their own costume & 'play mas' in various Caribbean festivals/parades. This concept turns an otherwise annual carnival costume into a multi-wear garment.


As the number of Caribbean carnivals/festivals held each year continues to increase, as does people's desire to participate in cultural traditions, such as 'playing mas' (wearing a carnival costume and masquerading in a parade). Though, for many first-timers, purchasing a costume with a big mas band can prove to be overwhelming and costly. Build-a-Mas was created with this in mind. BaM's main mission: to educate and encourage more of the general public to become actively involved in the art of playing mas.


BaM is a multi-faceted concept that makes mas accessible and relevant all year round, to people of all ages & ethnicities. The Build-a-Mas community outreach program provides sponsored workshops to youth and community groups allowing participants to enjoy the mas experience at no cost to them. Collaborations with smaller festivals/events introduces a costumed presence to the festivities and workshops/social events aid in showing the community that you really can 'live life like yuh playin' mas!'- Kes & the Band. Seasoned masqueraders can choose to save on costs and play mas on a smaller scale. They can also enjoy the freedom and satisfaction of building their own costume, while customizing it to their taste. Those who are new to the world of mas can gain a better knowledge and appreciation for the effort & skill that goes into creating elaborate costumes.


About Build-a-Mas
Through Build-a-Mas, the Caribbean culture is celebrated no matter what time of year it is. BaM helps people appreciate the art of playing mas by showing them how to make it.

Contact:

Kerry-Ann Wright, Founder

Build-a-Mas

Phone: 905-999-4258

buildamas@gmail.com

www.buildamas.com

Carnival 2015 Launch

It's official, Toronto Carnival 2015 is here! 

The launch kicked off the festival today at noon at a new location, David Pecaut Square (formerly Metro Hall). It was a nice backdrop for the festivities, and it even wrapped up just in time before the downpour started.

 Costumed models from Carnival Revolution, Connections, Fantazia, Tribal Carnival (Knights), Toronto Revellers, Carnival Nationz and Saldenah were the highlight of the show, and even tried to remain on stage for one more song. I wouldn't blame them!

But they were encouraged to make their exit and make way for the dancers who finished the show.

 

Now that it's officially here, are you getting excited for carnival? I know many of you long time masqueraders are on the fence about playing mas this year. There has been a lot of concern about security & stormers, and talk of the new route leading up to this carnival. That's why we need a reminder that it's about MAS! 

Perhaps seeing these gorgeous costumes in the beautiful daylight will help get you in the right (carnival) frame of mind...

If you make enough noise....

http://www.cp24.com/video?clipId=647727&binId=1.2111016&playlistPageNum=1


Finally, the media is taking a little notice of the plight of masqueraders. We have been trying to get the issue on the radar for years now.
The collective cry from a number of campaigns where individuals have come together to try and fight to save our carnival is being noticed.
Kara was kind of hesitant to do the interview, you can't really be sure that your words will be presented as they were intended. I was relieved when I learned the reporter was a masquerader, so she understood where we were coming from, and what we are trying to accomplish.

Check out the video, what do you all think?
Trini-in-Toronto

RSVP The Jamaal Magloire Birthday Celebration

RSVP, The Jamaal Magloire Birthday Celebration

We have been covering Revellers Band launches for many years now, and we always have a good time. This is the first non-launch Revellers event we have been able to attend... and the place tun up.

I tend to fete under the cover of darkness, so I always wondered how a day fete in Toronto would be, and with the help of premium drinks and food, it had vibez.

They had a nice iron section setup under a tent outside, and despite the rain, they really had the people moving.

 

Revellers next drinks and food inclusive fete is called Quench, and it will be held on Aug 2nd (Caribana Sunday), the flyer is on the top right hand side of the blog.

Party Done.