Junior Carnival 2015

 

Today was The Toronto Junior Carnival parade. The event was held once again in the Malvern Community. It was held there last year, but if you remember, last year it rained towards the end of the parade, so, the post parade events didn’t get their time to shine. This year, from what I saw, the event was executed in a flawless fashion. Kudos to the event organizers, band leaders, parents and all the various volunteers who made sure everything ran smoothly.

I’ve said many times how much I love this event, and once again, it is where our community showcases our culture in the best possible light.

Everything started on time, and this year, the route was a little shorter. I think it was a good change. The bands move through judging very slowly, so shortening the route it made the day a little more manageable for the young ones.

The children were real troopers, it was a very hot day and, being out in the sun for 4 to 5 hours can’t be easy on them. I didn’t see any meltdowns. The bands made sure everyone was hydrated and kept safe. Organizers had ample porta-potties along the route and really I didn’t see anything to complain about.  

It makes me very happy to see this event strongly supported by parents. We were told that at least one band had 600 children. It’s great to see the tradition passed down to the next generation.

Congratulations goes to Toronto Revellers for The Games capturing the big win, Band of the Year. They deserved it for all their creative designs and well represented sections.

  

 

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...