By Stephen Weir

Mas’ makers in Toronto are getting ready to put away their parkas and “break out the feathers” as the Caribbean Carnival Band Launching Season is about to begin.

No fewer than nine launches will be held between late March and May.

And although full details have not yet been released, The Caribbean Camera has learned that several mas’ camps are planning larger and more elaborate “themed costume ” fetes than in 2018.

While last year eleven bands held costume launches, two well established bands are missing from the current 2019 list.

One of them – Atlantic Mas’ – is usually among the first to stage its annual launching.

However, an  Atlantic Mas’ band official told the Caribbean Camera that his band will be in this year’s parade. “The launch location and date will be  announced soon,” he said.

Here is the latest launch information from the mas’ camps:

Friday March 29

Tribal Carnival

Tribal Carnival will be presenting “Magic” as the theme of its mas’ presentation in Toronto and “glamour” at the Grand Cayman carnival parade. Its Toronto launch, billed as the Caribbean Carnival Runway Show, will be held at Grand Luxe, Bayview Ave., North York

Saturday April 6^th

Fantazia Carnival

Fantazia is celebrating its 10^th anniversary with “Rebirth ‘as its theme. Its launch will be held at The Grand Cinnamon Banquet Hall (formally known as the Chandni Grand), McNicoll Ave., Scarborough

Saturday April 6

Toronto Revellers

Toronto Revellers will be playing “Treasure Island.”Its launch will be held at the York Mills Gallery, Leslie Street, North York.

Saturday April 13

Epic Carnival

 Epic Carnival (formerly Durham Mas’) has chosen “Personas – our inner personalities” as its theme. The launch will be held at JCs Banquet Hall, Ellesmere Road, Scarborough.

 ^.Saturday April 20

Saldenah Carnival

Saldenah Carnival (formerly  Louis Saldenah Mas-K-Club) has chosen “Heart Beat: The Thrill of Life” as its theme.  Its launch will be held at the Grand Cinnamon Banquet Hall , McNicoll Avenue, Scarborough.

Friday April 26

Sunlime Mas’

 In late fall last year, Sunlime Mas announced that “Mesmerize” – will be its  Road March theme for 2019. Its launch will be at the Latvian Cultural Centre, Credit Union Drive, North York.

Sunday May 5

Concept Costume Creators

Concept Costume Creators is yet to announce its theme and launch  location.

Saturday May 11

Venom Carnival

Venom Carnival is yet to announce its theme. Its launch will be at the.

Cinnamon Grand Banquet Hall , McNicoll Ave., Scarborough.

 Carnival Nationz

Carnival Nationz ‘s theme will be based on the music of Kes the Band.

The date and location of its launch are yet to be announced.