Choosing A mas Band

Once you decide to ‘play mas’ AKA purchase a costume from a provider (band) and join in the two day parade (which we strongly recommend!) your next decision is where to play. Once you realize how many options there are, this can become a mammoth feat. Have no fear, we are here to lead the way!

Firstly, you have to choose what is most important to you: vibes, costume design, costume extravagance, band amenities, band age range, budget or native to visitor ratio.

Once you do that, you can determine which bands give you the best mixture of the things you need.  

There are three categories of band sizes (small, medium and large) and these will determine how many different designs or sections the band has. Each year, each band chooses a theme and their costume designs will revolve around it. Large bands are the most popular and usually consist of 8-12 sections. This can mean anywhere from 3000-9000 people!  Usually each section has three design elements involved: a male costume, a female frontline and a female backline costume. The frontline is the more fanciful and costly of the female options whilst the backline is more of a basic design. Depending on your band choice, costumes can range from $300 USD to $1500 USD.

All-Inclusive Bands usually provide (for the price of the costume):

• The Costume

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Food (breakfast, lunch, snacks)

• Music

• Security

• On Site Paramedics

• Mobile Bathrooms

• Midday Rest Stop

Band Guide

Ronnie & Caro

This band is a smaller one of the large bands and is known for its phenomenal on-the-road service and costume design. They have won the band of the year downtown competition for five consecutive years and the National Carnival Commission’s competition for the last three years! They provide you with an all-inclusive experience without the crowded feeling of some of the other large bands. 

Age Range: 30-55

Y.U.M.A

As the name suggests (Young Upwardly Mobile Adults), this band is more youthful and always has great vibes. They are constantly searching for new talent in the industry to keep them current. They are also all-inclusive and sometimes may even have Soca artistes perform on the road! Due to its popularity it tends to attract a crowd and can sometimes get a bit crowded. They are known for their variety of lunch options, frequently stocking many cuisines to choose from.

Age Range: 18-35

Paparazzi Carnival

Another one of the smaller large bands, Paparazzi is all-inclusive and more affordable than some of the more popular large bands. However, the lower price does not equate to lesser vibes. They have a loyal following that is always pleased with their on-the-road experience.

Age Range: 30-50

Tribe

This is the most popular all-inclusive large band. It is however, very exclusive and requires early registration. They are known for their on-the-road amenities and service. As you can imagine, the popularity attracts masqueraders and spectators alike, sometimes leading to a very congested roadway.

Age Range: 20-35

Bliss

This band was a break off of TRIBE as their crowd began to get younger and much larger. Over the years however, BLISS’ crowd has also gotten slightly younger and much larger. You can expect an even more premium experience than that of TRIBE.

Age Range: 25-45

The Lost Tribe

As the name suggests it is a part of the TRIBE family. This band prides itself in keeping true to the traditional elements of Carnival by keeping the costumes elaborately and ornately designed to portray a particular character. It definitely adheres to the high quality of amenities and service you expect with TRIBE family bands.

Age Range: 25-50

Harts

This band was family run but is now also run by TRIBE. It has recently become all-inclusive and is large, however, not as large as TRIBE itself. Because of its aforementioned familial nature, it has a very large age range and is predominantly native.

Age Range: 17-60

Carnival Rogue

This band is no longer offering their Carnival services.

Pure Carnival

This band is no longer offering their Carnival services.

Fantasy Carnival

This band is no longer offering their Carnival services.

Entice Carnival

This band is no longer offering their Carnival services.

J’ouvert Bands

Most j’ouvert bands are all-inclusive and provide breakfast, alcoholic and non-alcoholic dinks as well as a water truck to cool you off once the sun has risen. The costume usually consists of a simple printed t-shirt, vest or monokini. We can recommend a few bands.

• Dirty Dozen J’ouvert: Vibes on a million!

• J’ouvert Jumbeez: Loosely associated with YUMA

• Dirty Medics: A mix of everything you need.

• M.A.D J’ouvert: Generational fun with great music and great vibes!

• Red Ants J’ouvert: A TRIBE family band

• Mudders International: Slightly older crowd

• Night Owlz: More Intimate band

• 3 Canal J’ouvert: A more traditional experience. LGBTQIA+ friendly

**If there are any bands that are not listed that you would like to register with, we will provide you with the necessary information.