Carnival Nationz Launches “V La Copa Mundial 11”

Photos by Gilbert Medina

Fresh off another major triumph in Trinidad and Tobago, veteran mas designer Marcus Eustace is once again setting his sights on the road in Toronto as Carnival Nationz unveiled its 2026 presentation before a packed crowd in Scarborough.

The launch, held at the band’s mas camp at 750 Military Trail, attracted approximately 750 patrons eager to get an early look at one of Toronto Carnival’s most decorated bands. Founded in 2005, Carnival Nationz announced its arrival in dramatic fashion by winning Band of the Year in its very first season before repeating the feat in 2006. Since then, the band has captured the coveted title nine times, cementing its place among the premier forces in Toronto’s carnival landscape.

The band is led by Eustace alongside Bryce Aguiton, with both men optimistic about the response following the launch.

“We’ve been getting a lot of calls and messages on Instagram and Facebook from people wanting to play mas with us,” Eustace said. “It seems like we’re seeing a better turnout this year than in the previous two years, so we’re hopeful and moving forward positively.”

Eustace enters the Toronto season carrying additional momentum after capturing the prestigious King and Queen titles earlier this year in Trinidad and Tobago with costumes he both designed and built himself.

“It’s always an honour,” he said of the achievement. “We’ll keep trying again and pushing ourselves creatively every year.”

Carnival Nationz presentation “V La Copa Mundial 11” is aiming for approximately 2,000 masqueraders this summer across 10 sections, ranging from basic backline costumes to ultra frontline presentations. Despite rising costs affecting many carnival bands, Eustace noted that Carnival Nationz has managed to maintain stable costume prices for the past four years.

“I think we are the only band that has kept our costs the same across the board during that period,” he said.

On the road, masqueraders can expect a heavy musical lineup featuring three music trucks and a roster of international and local DJs, including Travis World, Young Chow, DJ Kenez from Trinidad’s Scorch Radio, DJ Adam, along with Toronto favourites Maxman and the Dynamic Crew.

The band also plans to maintain its all-inclusive experience with unlimited drinks and sponsor support continuing from longtime partners such as Bedessee Imports, which has backed the band since its inception.

“We’re grateful for the sponsors who have stayed with us through the years,” Eustace said.

Discussions are also continuing with Hennessy regarding sponsorship for the 2026 season.

As anticipation builds for Toronto Carnival, Carnival Nationz appears determined to once again bring its championship pedigree and signature spectacle to the streets of the city.

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