Caribbean Carnival is an annual festival that takes place in cities around the world. It’s rooted in African history, particularly the emancipation of slaves. It’s a celebration of freedom — a showcase of culture and artistry, and a space of joy.
You’ll find Caribbean Carnivals all over the world, however, Trinidad is considered to be the mecca. In 1967, Trinidadian settlers gifted Caribbean Carnival to the Canadian government. Toronto Carnival, also known as Caribana, features North America's largest parade.
In just a few days, Toronto will be dancing along "di lakeshore" for the first time in two long years. On both a personal and professional level, I’ve felt the absence of Caribana. In addition to my own grief, I've felt for my colleagues who are heavily involved in the production of the parade. But, now, we’ve weathered the storm and the countdown is on.
The Four M's of Caribbean Carnival
From costume design to the band launches, there are many aspects of Carnival that create the magic we see and feel on the road. If you’re new to the enchanting world of Caribbean Carnival, there are four essential elements: movement, mas, music, and masquerade.
Music is what sets the tone and generates excitement along the parade route. Whether it’s soca, pan, or calypso, Caribbean sounds pulse through the Carnival celebration. Naturally, all these good vibes translate to dancing — lots of dancing. The jump and wave, wine, chip, and, most recently, the palance, are just a few of the many moves you’ll witness among masqueraders and spectators alike.
Mas designers capture the creativity of Caribbean people with intricate designs that are made months in advance based on a given theme and are produced, presented, and worn by thousands across the parade route. Short for “masquerade,” this collective effort tells the story of the people.
Those who participate in the Carnival and don these feathered and sequined designs are referred to as “masqueraders” who bring the costumes to life. All shapes, sizes, and colors are welcome to participate.
Ahead, we’ll meet some impressive women who — through their designs, costumes, music, and movement — breathe life into Caribbean Festival. Knix garments comprise the base of each of their ensembles, which have been altered and accessorized to suit their unique personalities and cultures.
Shakera Puts the “Movement” in Caribbean Carnival
At a young age, I was exposed to music and dance. The flair and vibrancy of my Caribbean culture — I’m representing the island of Jamaica — is what I use to enhance my unique style of movement. I’m the founder of Simply Shakera, a lifestyle brand focused on empowering women through dance, fitness, and culture, including workshops and youth mentorship programs.
In 2013, I launched Carnival Spice with the intention of elevating Caribbean culture by offering dancers access to training, mentorship, and paid work opportunities. The organization has enriched the city’s diversity, bringing Caribbean dance culture into a multitude of spaces.
From teaching the Real Housewives of Atlanta how to dance to performing for the Canadian Olympic Committee, I try to bring a vibrant essence to everything I do — inspiring people of all shapes and sizes to move their bodies with grace, fluidity, power, and confidence.
My favorite part of Caribbean Carnival is crossing the carnival stage. Many people aren’t aware that Caribbean Carnival parades are a competition. The costumes you see are part of a group (mas band) and throughout the parade each group presents their costumes on stage to a panel of judges.
As a masquerader, this is your time to shine and dance your butt off. It’s a very euphoric moment that can’t be recreated anywhere else. While crossing the stage in 2011, I was captured by a photographer and the photo made the front cover of the Toronto Star.
Melinda Puts the “Mas” in Caribbean Carnival
From beautiful Trinidad, I’m the owner of Endless Trims, the only Caribbean-owned design shop in the city. I’m also the designer-owner of Savage Carnival Arts, where I produce and design costumes for Caribbean Carnivals around the world.
My costumes and creative designs are a meld of sex appeal and opulence, as well as meticulous attention to detail. This upcoming Carnival, hundreds are expected to wear my designs as part of my “Ignite” collection. I also recently launched a costume section for Miami Carnival called “Insanity.”
I’m a mother to two amazing boys, my youngest is seven weeks, so I’m still breastfeeding. As Carnival season kicks off around the world, I’m here to prove that I can make mas, have a baby and toddler, plan two festivals, and run two Carnival-geared businesses.
One of my fondest Carnival memories includes crossing the big stage at Trinidad Carnival with my oldest sister. I competed in the Carnival competition with a “fisher woman” costume, complete with a fish-adorned dress and backpack made of netting. I was nervous, but having my family there to cheer me on meant so much.
DJ Steph Puts the “Music” in Caribbean Carnival
I was born in Ottawa to a St. Lucian mother and Trinidadian father. My parents were both very involved in the Caribbean community, so I was immersed in Carnival culture from a young age. Today, I’m a DJ (my stage name is DJ Steph Honey) who specializes in Soca and R&B beats.
Being a DJ goes beyond playing what’s most trendy and mainstream. My job — and my utmost delight — is playing sounds that transport listeners to a world of pleasure.
I have so many wonderful Carnival-related memories, but one that stands out is winning the Kiddies Carnival Competition against my older sister as a “Soca Butterfly.” This year will mark my first time playing on a truck for the grand parade — I can’t wait to be back in costume.
Ashleigh Puts the “Masquerade” in Caribbean Carnival
By day I’m a teacher, but my head and heart are always in Carnival mode. I’ve been playing mas since the Kiddie Carnival days and Carnival modeling for nearly 20 years. My true love for Carnival comes through my global travels — wherever there’s a Carnival, I’ll be there.
To date, I’ve been to 17 different Caribbean Carnivals and have no intention of slowing down anytime soon. This year alone, I’ve proudly represented the island of Trinidad at Caribbean Carnivals from Atlanta to Houston, Miami, and St. Lucia. What can I say, I was born for the Carnival road and participate for the love of mas, culture, and seeing the world.
Over the past two years, I’ve missed the mas costumes and steel pan yard gatherings. The King and Queen showcase at Carnival is what I look forward to most.
The creativity, talent, and artistry blow me away each and every time. It reminds me of back home in Trinidad where the steel pan plays while people dance in the street and sell food — you can just feel the Carnival energy in the air.