Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival? The Toronto Caribbean Carnival, often referred to as Caribana, is one of the most anticipated events in the city. Every summer, the streets come alive with music, dance, and colourful costumes, celebrating Caribbean culture in the heart of Toronto. But before the revelry hits the streets, there’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes. This is where Mas Bands like Sunlime Mas comes in.
At Sunlime Mas, our Mas Camp is where the magic happens.
What is a Mas Camp?
A Mas Camp is the heart and soul of any Mas Band, and Toronto Carnival. It’s the physical location where all the design, construction, marketing, housing, and distribution of carnival costumes take place. At Sunlime Mas Camp, you’ll find a dedicated group of volunteer working on everything from sketching designs to sewing intricate costumes.
Volunteering at a Mas Camp gives you a unique opportunity to see the inner workings of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. You’ll get to learn about the different stages of costume creation, from the initial concept to the final product. And don’t worry if you’re new to this – we have a team of dedicated mas making professionals willing to teach you the ropes.
Learn the Art of Carnival Costume Making
One of the most exciting aspects of volunteering at a Mas Camp is the chance to learn new skills. Have you ever wondered how to bend a wire bra or backpack? How to wrap wire or lay feathers properly? How to make an appliqué or gem a bra? Or even how to build King & Queen costumes? By volunteering at a Mas Camp, you’ll get the chance to learn all these skills and more.
There you’ll learn the intricate processes involved in costume design and construction. You’ll learn how to work with different materials, use various tools, and bring your creative ideas to life. It’s a hands-on learning experience that’s both fun and rewarding.
Experience the Family Vibe
One of the most remarkable aspects of volunteering at a Mas Camp is the sense of community. Our camp is filled with a positive, intense energy that is both infectious and inspiring. You’ll be welcomed into a family vibe where everyone works together to bring the vision of our Band to life. This supportive and collaborative environment is something you will fall in love with and never want to leave.
At Sunlime Mas, we believe that the carnival is about more than just the parade – it’s about community, culture, and connection. Volunteering with us means becoming part of a family that shares a passion for Caribbean culture and a commitment to creating something beautiful.
Embrace and Spread Caribbean Culture
If you have a passion for your culture or an interest in Caribbean traditions, volunteering at a Mas Camp is a fantastic way to immerse yourself and help spread the culture. The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a celebration of Caribbean heritage, and by volunteering, you play a crucial role in ensuring this vibrant culture is shared with as many people as possible. It’s an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and contribute to a significant cultural event in Toronto.
Get Involved with Sunlime Mas for the 2024 Toronto Carnival Season
So, why should you volunteer at a Mas Camp? Because it’s an unparalleled opportunity to be part of the creative process behind the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, to learn new skills, to immerse yourself in a supportive community, and to celebrate and spread Caribbean culture.
If you’re interested in joining us for the 2024 Toronto Carnival season, we invite you to reach out. You can shoot us an email at sunlimemas@gmail.com or send us a DM on Instagram or TikTok. We’re always excited to welcome new volunteers who are eager to learn and contribute.
We can’t wait to see you at Sunlime Mas Camp!
Sunlime Mas Camp
301 Danforth Rd. Unit #3
Scarborough, Ontario, M4K 1N7
