Toronto Caribbean Carnival: Beginner’s Guide to Playing Mas

For years, I admired Caribana from afar, scrolling through Instagram and shouting “Yass Girl!” at every sparkling costume. This year, I finally joined the parade myself, slipping into a vibrant outfit and feeling the infectious energy of the crowd firsthand. 

Experiencing the Toronto Caribbean Carnival up close was a whirlwind of music, color, and joy—an adventure I’ll never forget. If you’re a first-timer, this guide will show you everything you need to know to confidently join a mas band, play mas, and fully enjoy the parade from start to finish.

What is Caribana (Toronto Caribbean Carnival)?

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival, formerly and commonly known as Caribana, is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture and one of North America’s largest festivals. It’s a place where everyone is welcome—whether you’re honoring your heritage or simply drawn to the energy, music, and colors.

Picture this: over seven hours of dancing through the streets, surrounded by dazzling costumes, pulsating soca and reggae beats, and a crowd radiating joy and confidence. The atmosphere is electric, body-positive, and completely infectious—an experience that leaves you smiling long after the parade ends.

When and Where is Toronto Caribbean Carnival?

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival lights up the city every year during the first weekend of August, with festivities running from Thursday through Sunday. The main parade takes place on Saturday, usually starting around 10:30 AM and continuing through the late afternoon.

The celebration kicks off earlier with lively fetes and J’ouvert, the pre-dawn paint party where everyone arrives ready to dance, get messy, and soak in the vibrant energy. The parade winds its way along downtown Toronto’s famous “The Road,” starting and ending at Exhibition Place.

For first-timers, staying near the entertainment district or downtown is ideal. You’ll be within walking distance of the parade route, with easy access to hotels, restaurants, and taxis or ride-share options like Uber and Lyft.

Must-Know Caribana Terms for First-Timers

Here’s the essential lingo you’ll hear at Caribana:

• Mas – Short for masquerade, the main parade on Saturday.
  
• Mas Band – Organized groups of participants who purchase costumes.
  
• Mas Players – Participants who “play mas” in costumes.
  
• The Road – The parade route.
  
• Fete – Festival parties with live music, often ticketed.
  
• J’ouvert – Pre-carnival paint party; wear white clothes that can get messy.

Costume-specific terms:

• Frontline – Extravagant costumes with large feathers and jewels.
  
• Midline – Slightly smaller but still glamorous costumes.
  
• Backline – Simpler costumes, easier to move in.
  
• Hot Shorts – Boy-short style bottoms.
  
• Boa – Feathered pieces attached to your costume.

Should You Play Mas?

I wouldn’t go to Caribana without playing mas. It’s the heartbeat of the festival and an essential part of the experience. There’s something unforgettable about joining a band, slipping into a handmade costume, and dancing your way down The Road surrounded by music, color, and pure joy. 

More than just wearing feathers and gems, playing mas is your ticket into the parade itself. While spectators watch from behind the fences, masqueraders are right in the middle of it all, moving with the trucks, the DJs, and the energy of thousands of people dancing as one.

Of course, it’s a commitment. Costumes aren’t cheap, and the day can be physically demanding with hours of dancing. But for many, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime bucket-list experience that’s worth every penny and every drop of sweat. If you want to feel the spirit of Caribana in its truest form, play mas at least once. 

Booking Your Accommodations

Where to Stay

📍 Best Budget Spot: The Rex Hotel

This iconic downtown spot is perfect for travelers seeking comfort on a budget. Just a short walk from the parade route, it puts you in the heart of the action. The legendary jazz bar downstairs adds an authentic Toronto vibe.

📍 Best Mid-Range Spot: Revery Toronto Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton

For travelers seeking modern comfort in a central location, this downtown retreat delivers. Just minutes from the CN Tower and parade route, it’s easy to get to all the action. The Deauville Club restaurant makes it perfect for refueling before or after a day on the Road. 

📍 Best Luxury Spot: Shangri-La Toronto

This 5-star gem offers a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and elegant rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame breathtaking city views. Just a short stroll from the Caribana parade and downtown festivities, it’s the perfect choice for travelers seeking a luxurious retreat while staying close to all the action.

Pro tip: Make your reservations early! Hotels and rentals book up fast during Caribana, and snagging your spot ahead of time means less stress and more time to focus on enjoying the parade and festivities.

If you choose an Airbnb, you don’t necessarily need to highlight that your trip is for Caribana. Some hosts may have reservations about carnival-goers, but with a little discretion, you can find a great space. We ended up in a beautiful condo with a host who was genuinely excited about our visit.

Preparing for Mas: Band, Costumes, and Dressing Up

Choosing a Band and Costume

Several bands participate in the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, each splitting into sections with dazzling costumes. Honestly, it’s hard to choose—most are stunning! We went with Saldenah because they win Band of the Year almost every year, and who doesn’t want to be part of the winning team?

To explore your options, start at the Caribana Official Website to see which bands are participating, then check each band’s website or Instagram for a closer look at their sections. All costumes are handmade, so if you have questions about sizing or styles, reach out to your section leader before paying. Popular designs sell out fast, so don’t wait too long to secure your spot.

Most bands launch their costumes between April and May, with registrations opening shortly after. By June and July, the most sought-after frontline and midline sections are usually gone. Our backline costumes were already limited when we purchased ours on June 20th, so booking early is key. Deposits are non-refundable, which makes committing sooner rather than later a smart move.

Costume Price Ranges

Backline costumes, which are simpler but still beautiful, typically range from USD $165 to $350. Our backline costume cost USD $233. Midline and frontline options are more elaborate, with extra jewels, wings, or feathered pieces, and can cost USD $400–850 or more.

Male costumes are usually simpler, ranging from USD $150–300, depending on embellishments.

When you register with a band, you’ll usually pay a non-refundable deposit, often around CAD $250, with the remainder due at costume pick-up. Some bands also offer optional upgrades like larger feather backpacks or jeweled accessories, which can add to your total cost. Costume prices are usually listed in USD, while deposits are collected in CAD, so keep that in mind when budgeting.

What’s Included in Your Costume

Your costume package includes the essentials, bra and panty or shorts, decorative pieces, and sometimes extras like a tiara or headpiece. Bands also provide parade wristbands, which identify you as a masquerader and give access to amenities like food and drinks along the route.

Some bands, like Saldenah, are iconic and competitive, while others might match your vibe with different themes, styles, or energy. If a traditional feathered costume isn’t your style, don’t worry—you can explore other creative costume options. The real goal isn’t perfection. It’s to feel confident, embrace the joy of Carnival, and dance your heart out.

Costume Pick-Up

Costumes aren’t shipped to you. Close to the parade date, your section leader will give you instructions on where to pick up your costume—usually at a warehouse a day or two before the event. The process was quick and smooth, taking no more than 20 minutes. We were even given a little goodie bag with hair gel and a phone pouch, which was such a pleasant surprise!

Your section leader will guide you on how to assemble your costume so everything fits and looks perfect. Keep in mind that switching sizes isn’t usually allowed since costumes are made to order. 

Sometimes there may be extras or opportunities to swap with someone else, but I wouldn’t count on it. If you have any sizing questions, it’s best to contact your section leader before making your payment.

Dressing Up for Mas

Costume

I was so excited about dressing up in my costume on parade day, but I have to admit—I was a little nervous about wearing so little in front of thousands of people. My worries quickly melted away once I saw everyone dancing confidently, no matter their shape or size. Toronto Caribbean Carnival is all about celebrating your body, feeling empowered, and having fun—there’s no judgment here, only music, color, and pure joy.

Shoes

Comfortable shoes are a must! You’ll be walking and dancing for hours, so save the flimsy sandals for another time. Most masqueraders wear sneakers or boots—pick a pair that’s already broken in to avoid blisters and sore feet. Having reliable shoes makes the day so much more enjoyable.

Stockings

Fishnet stockings are a classic choice, though I ended up skipping them because mine didn’t match my costume. If you do decide to wear stockings, pack a small bottle of clear nail polish—it’s perfect for fixing any unexpected runs along the parade route.

Makeup & Accessories

Go big with your look! Bright eyeshadow, glitter, and face gemstones are everywhere, adding to the festive vibe. I found that a little hairspray and Vaseline helped keep the glitter in place, and eyelash glue secured the gemstones throughout the day. Don’t forget a flag—you’ll love waving it along the parade and feeling even more a part of the celebration.

Carry Essentials

Bring a small fanny pack or phone pouch to hold your ID, Canadian cash, and a few personal items. Only pack what you truly need; the lighter you are, the more fun you can have dancing through the streets of Toronto for hours.

Caribana Parade Tips

Arrive Early

We arrived by 9 AM, and the parade started at 10:30 AM. Arriving early was perfect because we had plenty of time to eat, touch up our makeup, and take pictures without feeling rushed. Getting there ahead of time also makes it easy to find your section, settle in, and soak up the excitement.

Food & Drinks

Mas players receive meals that include breakfast before the parade and a meal afterward. When I attended, both meals were rice and stew chicken, and the lines can get long—so plan accordingly. There are also vendors along the route if you want something different.

Bring a small drink bottle or tumbler with your favorite beverage, as Toronto doesn’t provide alcohol to masqueraders. Water and coconut water are available along the parade route, and at lunchtime, we were given pizza.

Weather & Health

Keep an eye on the forecast as the weekend approaches. The weekend I attended was hot and sunny, though past years have seen rain. Stay hydrated throughout the day, especially with 7+ hours of dancing ahead.

Don’t forget sunscreen—I was rushing in the morning and forgot to put some on my face before placing my gems. When I took them off, my skin was a little splotchy. Luckily, my gem tan lines faded quickly, but it’s always better to be safe.

Parade Logistics

Every band has a designated space number along the parade route, so check it ahead of time and head there early. If you’re not sure where to go, ask a section leader or follow the crowd of masqueraders in matching costumes. Fences line the route to keep spectators off, though some do sneak in. 

Once the parade kicks off, sections can mix, so stick close to your group to avoid getting separated. At the end, bands gather on stage for the competition, then the parade spills into a giant block party. The winning band is announced a few days later.

Money

Carry some Canadian cash for food, drinks, or small purchases along the route. While some vendors may accept USD, your change will be given in CAD, which can get confusing. Having local currency on hand keeps things simple and saves you time.

How to Fully Enjoy the Caribana Experience

Capture the Memories

Bring your phone or camera along to document your Caribana adventure—but don’t get so caught up behind the lens that you forget to soak in the moment. Take a few photos or short videos of your costume, the parade, and the vibrant crowd, then put the device away and dance, laugh, and celebrate.

Attend Fetes Before and After the Parade

Caribana isn’t just about the parade—it’s a weekend-long celebration. Fetes (parties) before the parade are the perfect way to immerse yourself in Caribbean music, try local food, and connect with fellow masqueraders. 

After the parade, block parties and street events keep the energy going, offering a chance to dance, mingle, and celebrate your day on The Road. Plan ahead, pace yourself, and savor the full spectrum of Caribbean culture. For a full list of fetes and after-parties, check out Eventbrite Toronto.

Immerse Yourself in Caribbean Music and Culture

From soca and reggae beats to steel drums and calypso rhythms, Caribana is a feast for the senses. Take time to appreciate the artistry of each costume, watch the dance moves, and join in where you feel comfortable. 

Sampling street food, chatting with performers, and observing the parade traditions adds depth to your experience, letting you connect with the culture in a meaningful and joyful way.

Pro tip: Toronto traffic can get busy during Caribana. If you’re relying on public transit, use the TTC Transit Maps to navigate the city efficiently and reach the parade and fetes on time.

FAQs About Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana)

Which Date is the Carnival Festival in Toronto?
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival kicks off every year during the first weekend of August. While the main parade happens on Saturday, the festivities actually start earlier—usually Thursday—with fetes, concerts, and the lively J’ouvert paint party the night before the parade.

Is Toronto Caribbean Carnival free?
Good news—many of the street festivities and parade viewing areas are free for everyone to enjoy! That said, if you want the full experience of playing mas or attending some of the popular fetes (Caribbean-style parties), tickets or costumes are required. Either way, there are plenty of ways to soak up the energy without spending a fortune.

What is the Largest Carnival in Canada?
Toronto Caribbean Carnival, formerly known as Caribana, holds the title as the largest carnival in Canada and one of the most exciting in North America.

What is the Route of the Caribbean Parade in Toronto?

The parade generally starts and ends at Exhibition Place, winding through downtown Toronto. While streets may vary slightly each year, the route always brings masqueraders and spectators back to the Grand Parade stage.

Final Thoughts: Toronto Caribbean Carnival

Dancing down The Road in a dazzling costume at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival is an experience like no other. The vibrant colors, infectious music, and unstoppable energy will sweep you off your feet and leave you feeling empowered and alive. 

If you’ve ever wanted to celebrate Caribbean culture, embrace body positivity, and fully let yourself go, now is the time. Don’t just watch—play mas, join a band, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Caribana is waiting; you’ll dance, celebrate, and leave feeling energized, inspired, and part of something truly special.

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