By Stephen Weir

Photos by Gilbert Medina

Carnival Nationz, one of the Toronto Caribbean’s top Mas Band dedicated to creating an unparalleled carnival experience, held a well-attended junior carnival band launch on Saturday, June 3. The costume show and party titled “Lil Nationz: Around the World 1n 100 days Let’s Go”, took place from 3 pm to 6 pm at the Heather Curing Club on Military Trail in Scarborough.

The afternoon was filled with games, fun, and delicious food followed by the highly anticipated costume show. Youngsters wearing the vibrant 2023 costumes of eight different sections, with names like Championes Wachines, Brazilia, Semeru, Holi, Ibiza and Circle of Life Inline image took to the stage, displaying their outfits inspired by myths and legends from the early days.

Carnival Nationz is actively encouraging children to acquire costumes from their mas camp located on Military Trail and get ready to take to the road. These costumes will be worn by the young participants during the upcoming Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Junior Carnival Parade, scheduled to take place on July 22 from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Malvern Community Centre and Neilson Park, (1555 Neilson Rd, Scarborough).

The Junior Carnival Parade offers children a unique opportunity to jump along Neilson Road, waving the flag of the future revellers of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. Some fortunate youngsters will even have the chance to be kings and queens of their bands wearing costumes during the highly anticipated Junior King and Queen Showcase.

The gala event, known as the Junior King & Queen Showcase, will be held on July 16 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Scarborough Town Centre. The showcase is a vibrant and lavish display of the Jr. King & Queen creations, celebrating the future of the carnival with an array of extravagant costumes.

In preparation for the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, Carnival Nationz’s junior carnival band launch has set the stage for an unforgettable celebration. With its 17-year dedication to showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean, they invite all children to embrace the spirit of Carnival and participate in the upcoming children’s events.