‘Tru Dynasty’ represented Toronto in style at Miami Carnival by Stephen Weir For the summer of 2025, it seemed as though Thea Jackson and her Tru Dynasty Mas Band had been constantly on the move. But come Thanksgiving break, Tru Dynasty wasn’t dancing along Toronto’s Lakeshore. This year, Jackson and her crew took Canadian carnival […]
Miami Carnival struggles amid decline and rising costs Miami Carnival, once a vibrant showcase of Caribbean music, pageantry, and cultural pride, faced one of its most challenging years in recent memory. The 2025 edition, held over the Columbus Day weekend, saw fewer participants, fewer bands, and the elimination of several signature events, all amid rising […]
Pan Trinbago’s fiscal discipline strengthens national economy By Andre Moses Pan Trinbago has achieved four consecutive years of clean audit reports. In fiscal 2024-2025, the organization reported $15,039,145 in revenue, mainly from Panorama events,government grants, and membership dues. After deducting expenses of $8,970,720, Pan Trinbago realized an operating surplus of $6,068,425, a tenfold increase over […]
Putting the Mas’ in Christmas By Stephen Weir On a brisk Toronto morning last November, Santa’s sleigh may not have been pulled by reindeer, but it was certainly propelled by Caribbean Canadian community spirit. With over 750,000 spectators lining the streets, the 120th anniversary of the Santa Claus Parade, the Festival Management Committee and their […]
Carnival bandleader Louis Saldenah retires By Anthony Joseph After leading one of Toronto Carnival’s most iconic mas’ bands for more than four decades, Louis Saldenah has officially announced his retirement. Speaking at a retirement party at the Grand Cinnamon Banquet Hall last Saturday, the legendary bandleader, who has defined Toronto’s Carnival landscape for 44 years, […]
The crescendo of Barbados’ Crop Over season came to a roaring finale on Grand Kadooment Day, where one anthem soared above the rest. Leadpipe, the veteran soca artist known offstage as Osvaldo Reid, has claimed the coveted Road March crown for 2025 with his commanding hit “Tek Charge” — a track that captured the heart […]
Xodus Wet Music Festival to ignite Jamaica’s carnival season The shores of Kingston Harbour will erupt in colour, rhythm, and revelry on Saturday, October 4, as Xodus Carnival debuts a high-octane addition to Jamaica’s Carnival calendar. The new Xodus Wet Music Festival, a jouvert-style sunrise party, promises a morning of lively celebration designed to awaken […]
Darian Joseph’s mas journey to Toronto Carnival king For Toronto Revellers’ 2025 King, Early Roots in Mas Darian’s journey started at just two years old, playing with his uncles’ band, Arnold Hughes and Assoc. What began as a toddler in costume soon became a passion. By the time he entered junior competitions, he was already […]
New York’s tribute to Caribbean culture is set to return with full force as the West Indian-American Day Carnival Association (WIADCA) prepares to launch Caribbean Carnival Week on Thursday. The long-standing celebration, now in its 58th year, is expected to draw tens of thousands of revelers under the theme Vive Le Carnivale! The opening ceremony […]
Carrying a King Costume Defines Carnival Spirit Carnival has always been more than sequins, feathers and a parade down the road. It is joy, sacrifice, art and spirit all bound together in one rapturous release. Over the years, I have heard many say that playing mas’, especially carrying a king costume, is too strenuous, too […]
