While Trinidad is hailed as the mecca for carnival, it can be quite expensive to play mas. With masqueraders dishing out $800+ USD for a costume that is little more than bikinis and beads! Well, Bermuda Carnival might be the place to play ah mas! I had the pleasure of witnessing the third annual Bermuda Carnival Band Launch on January 8th. While I enjoyed seeing the creative presentations by each of the masquerade bands, I was most impressed with the versatility of the designers. Each band had at least one costume for a full-figured woman or a woman who wants to be a bit more conservative on the road. As Designing Daryl (@designingdaryl) says, “You’re coming here to play ah mas, not show your….”
Mas can be expensive, Bermuda Carnival might be the place to play ah mas ~ @dyschick Click To TweetHere are my top 5 picks from the Bermuda Carnival mas bands.
- Nova Mas – Aurora Frontline – This frontline costume by Designing Daryl is everything! The multicolored feathers, the jewels, and the fact that the bra looks like it can handle some heft shows attention to detail and thoughtful designing. After all, a costume can’t just be pretty, it has to be practical. (Base Price: TBA)
- Party People – Treasure Keepers Backline Monokini – This is such a beautiful costume that I may just buy it to have it in my closet. This monokini is designed for the full -figured woman who wants to show off her curves in a stunning piece. I can imagine chipping down the road with the sun hitting these beads and making the whole piece radiate. (Base Price: $309)
- Intense Mas – Dracarys Frontline Monokini. When Instagram sensation @_inhalemee premiered this costume on the runway in November, she demonstrated how you can wine and dip and even drop in a split in this costume. Talk about practical. (Base Price: $599)
- Passion Mas – Belle Donna Size Sexy – I love this costume. For the full and sexy lady, this is one of my favorite costumes. Red plumes and fringes that hang down the front of this monokini make sure that ladies can be photographed without having to worry about or problem areas. Show it all off!
- Ultimate Treasures – Longtail Frontline – Talk about a frontline costume! There is no way that you will be missed in this one. While it may be cumbersome to carry your backpack with extra-large white wings, it’s worth it. This costume is a show stopper! Just be careful when wining up on a stranger.
I’ve experienced Carnival as a spectator and as media, but nothing beats being a masquerader. Pumping all day with your friends and charging the stage is an amazing feeling so make sure you have a costume that is comfortable and sexy.
Check out the Bermuda Heroes Weekend Ltd. Website to see more offerings. Get your costume, book your flight, and leh we go!
Deanna Andrews
Written by Deanna Andrews of DysChick a Soca enthusiast, party blogger from New York. With Guyanese heritage and passion for soca music, her blog demystifies fetes and Carnivals by introducing neophytes to the artists, deejays, and mas bands making headlines in the industry.
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