By Rebecca Kerr

Pictures by Rebecca Kerr

It was a busy weekend for mas in the city as Tribal Carnival kiddies launched their presentation “Once Upon Time”.

Eight-time section leader, 8-year-old A’dria LaPierre presented her section Play Mas with A’dria’s for 2023, “Lil Red”. This year’s presentation, a take on the fairytale Little Red Riding Hood had the junior masqueraders dancing and prancing on stage to the delight of the enthusiastic audience.

A’Dria has been playing mas since she was 4 months old in Toronto and in Trinidad.

However, playing mas is only one of the many things on A’dria Marley Rae’s to do list. She is a dancer, an actor, a model and a published author. Her first book A’dria The Carnival Princess was released April 2021 when she was 5 years old. Her 2^nd book A’dria The Carnival Princes is currently being illustrated, and her newest soon to be released is A’dria The World Traveller.

This seasoned junior masquerader is also making waves in the Trinidad carnival scene with her band Allstars, showcasing mas in Arima, Sande Grande even copping the prestigious title Arima Queen of Carnival 2023 with her band’s presentation “Kingdoms” which copped 3^rd place in the Band of the Year competition.

Junior King of the Lil Nationz Band Joanan Duncan is also excited to be on the stage again. After not placing in the top 3 in last year’s competition young Duncan says he is ready to get back on the podium. “I love being in costume and playing mas, I also like to help with putting the decorations onto the costume for my presentation. It’s fun to see the costume being built from the beginning to the final piece” he stated at the recent band launch. “I love love love basketball, but I also love playing the big costume so I’m eager to get back on the road”, he added.

With carnival in their veins the younger generation has assured the Mas fraternity that the culture is in capable hands. Join the kiddies on July 16 for the Junior King Queen and Individual Competition taking place at the Scarborough Town Center and July 22 for the Parade of the Bands in Malvern.