The Caribana parade is over and I had a great time playing mas in Canada for the second year in a row, BUT the Stormers have got to go! Even though I didn’t have my fete partner most of the weekend, I still had a great time. Here’s my full review of Caribana weekend and my experience on the road.
Caribana Events
Just like last year, the first event I attended for Caribana weekend was King and Queen. I loved the band’s mas displays and it was pure joy to know MY BAND WON. The BEST fete I went to was the Main Event: HD Edition that included Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann Lyons, and more artists. Two words: PURE VIBES. You can check out highlights from The Main Event in my video below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i2VjpI7ZDc
Playing Mas with Carnival Nationz
I played with Carnival Nationz for the second year in a row which had a Havana Theme. Our section was Timba. Timba had a pink and blue section and by the time I went to purchase online, blue was completely sold out! A disadvantage of purchasing online was no first priority for past masqueraders and paying in full, BUT due to the US Dollar being stronger than the Canadian Dollar, I paid a less for my costume. I couldn’t make it to costume pickup so I had my cousin pick it up for me. All I had to do was send a photocopy of my ID and written authorization allowing her to pick up for me. Easy-peasy. When ordering my costume, I didn’t realize how big my butt was, so my bottom fit snug. This left me a bit self-conscious, but that went away once I was on the road.
On the Road with Carnival Nationz
I was NOT going to hear my aunt sing “bottom on de road” all day so I went with regular pantyhose under my costume bottom. I WISH I wore flesh-toned tights, but this is what happens when you don’t purchase enough from Trinidad or other vendors. Playing with Carnival Nationz was great, but the Stormers kept killing the vibes. For lunch, I had a chicken meal and it was pretty good. Below are some pics of us on the road with Carnival Nationz.
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Caribana 2014 Overall Experience
I am no carnival expert, but based on the conversation with previous masqueraders this year, Stormers in the Caribana parade has been a problem for years. The main reason is more than likely the lack of knowledge of the whole purpose of playing mas. Masqueraders pay money to play mas and should be respected & protected. Having played in Trinidad, I know Stormers are common. The biggest difference I’ve seen is their respect for the bands when crossing the stage. Carnival, in general, is a fun event but it is also a COMPETITION. Despite the Stormer invasion, I tried my best to enjoy the day based on my understanding of the carnival culture.
Band of the Year?
Initially, CaribVibeTV posted a “no band of the year” photo on Instagram for Caribana. This decision was apparently due to the lack of all bands crossing the second stage and the massive amount of Stormers along the Caribana parade route. A few days later, it was announced that Carnival Nationz won the Band of The Year title. Stormers were my biggest pet peeve last year. Although Caribana is a more cost-effective alternative to Trinidad Carnival, I’m not sure if I will play again.
