Toronto Carnival Guide 2022

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The Toronto Guide 2022

For Masqueraders

In case you’re wondering - yes that’s me in the photo above! It was captured moments before I hit the stage with Kes The Band at one of their Toronto shows. Caribbean carnival “mas” costumes is such a work of art - I am so excited that thousands of us will get to wear one again soon! WHY? Well, in 40 days Toronto will be hitting the lakeshore for the first time in 2 years for Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

This is a huge deal for the Caribbean community! What seems like just a “street party” to some, to others, is a cultural celebration, a source of pride, a display of months of work such as glue gun burns, feather placement etc. a place to feel free and liberated, a meeting ground to connect with others and a showcase of ones talent and skill. The city is buzzing with excitement - so much so that costumes are selling out left, right and center! As a result I am releasing my annual Toronto Carnival guide one month early.

Below you will find a list of Caribbean Carnival - related business and brands in the GTA that may help you, the masquerader, get ready for the road. Back in the day most of these companies were unheard of leaving masqueraders to fend for themselves - so I am proud to see how the carnival world is evolving.

To the artists and business owners listed - I see you! Keep doing what you love and keeping the culture alive where you can. To the readers, if you enjoy this post, please leave a comment below and share and be sure to let the vendors know Simply Shakera sent ya! Xo


Fitness

 

  • @ele.vated.fitness Soca and Dancehall Indoor & Outdoor Step Fitness Class in Toronto

  • @clubenhergy a Black owned fitness club empowering women through health & fitness

  • @_therellway has a Caribana Body bootcamp running three days a week until July 27th at Earl Bales Park

  • Socacize offering classes soca dances globally to positively impact social, physical & mental health through their F.L.A.U.N.T. philosophy.

  • Werk Dat - Dance Fitness offers virtual dance fitness and more via YouTube.

  • @CarnivalSpice offers Caribbean Dance Fitness virtually through the Spice On Demand program as well as corporate and private workshops throughout the year. Be sure to also visit carnivalspice.com to learn about their Caribbean Carnival entertainment services and child youth programs.

 

Accessories

Carnival Kicks has a wide selection of carnival boots, sneakers, hosiery & more! Use code: “SIMPLYSPICE” for 5% off your purchase.

 

@jaynenicolehosiery offers skin-tone tights for women and men of all colour.

 

@carnivalpacks offers a collection of waist packs to hold your carnival day essentials.

 

@matchedforme is a Carnival Tights company based out of Toronto Canada. They also distribute Micles Tights.

 

A few of the bands have accessory pop-ups at their mas camps too.***

Make Up Artists:

Disclaimer, I have not used these artists myself - so be sure to look at their portfolios to see if they are the right fit:

@facesbypureness

@facesbytatiana

@glowbyyj

@glam.rush_

@nymkjthemua

@faceology101

Products & Services:

@CarnivalMakeUpKits (CMK)

Provide professionally-selected carnival makeup designed to match your costume in a compact kit!

Each kit is customized to your costume and includes:

  1. Glitter (x2 jars)

  2. Jewels (x2 sheets)

  3. Waterproof Cellphone Pouch

  4. Lash + Glue OR Glitter Primer

 

@SocaSitters

The 3 Day Caribana Long Weekend Day Camp Experience - for those looking for childcare.

 

Brown Sugar Spray Tanz

Specialist in POC Spray Tanning

 
 

5 Accounts To Follow For Carnival Updates:

@torontocarnival.ca

The official account account for Toronto Caribbean Carnival

@everybodyplayahmas

A body positive movement to showcase and celebrate diversity in Caribbean Carnivals.

@ceeforcarnival

The Face of The Festival for Toronto Carnival 2022.

@socaprince
A pioneer deejay for the Toronto Soca scene

@fetenet
Events, carnival news and more


 

If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment below and share. 

If tagging, you can find me on social @simplyshakera 

… and definitely let the vendors know Simply Shakera sent ya! Xo

xo

Toronto Carnival Guide 2019

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The Toronto Guide 2019

For Masqueraders

In case your wondering - yes that’s me in the photo above! Living out my glory in one of my favourite Toronto Carnival moments EVER! It was 2011, crossing the judging stage to ADVANTAGE by Machel Montano. Never saw that white rag again, popped the strap on that cute matching purse, and one of my lashes floated off into the horizon. Best moment ever… but it gets better… after parading with meh friends, going home to relax and sleep… I woke to the news that this photo was on the FRONT COVER OF THE TORONTO STAR!!!!!!!! THE FRONT COVER OF THE TORONTO STAR YALLL! Magic captured in real time.

It’s carnival season in Toronto so the city is buzzing with the Grand Parade only 10 days away! I am asked daily where to find this and that so I’ve compiled a list of a few Carnival - related business in the GTA that may help you, the masquerader, get ready for the road.

Back in the day most of these companies were unheard of leaving masqueraders to fend for themselves so I am proud to see how the carnival world is evolving. To the artists and business owners listed - I see you! Keep pushing doing what you love and keeping the culture alive. Enjoy the rest of your Toronto Carnival season.

 

READERS, If you enjoy this post, please leave a comment below and share share share. 

If tagging, you can find me on social @simplyshakera 

… and definitely let the vendors know Simply Shakera sent ya! Xo

Fitness

  • @werkdatdennis offers dance fitness in Brampton Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings.

  • @carnivalcurves offers carnival bootcamps and more across the GTA.

  • @CarnivalSpice offers Caribbean Dance Fitness and Carnival Choreography year round with a pop up dance work Friday, July 26th. Be sure to also visit carnivalspice.com to learn about their Caribbean Carnival entertainment services and child youth programs.

  • @islandwukout present #WukoutWednesday July 31st in Mississauga

  • The Fitlife Bootcamp; a dance fitness event featuring soca star FayAnn Lyons Aug. 1st in Scarborough

Accessories

@thecollabovibe is a local distributor of @carnivalista products including fishnets, tights and pasties. Their main service is providing mas coverage of band launches and carnival - look out for them on the road.  

@carnival_queens_accessories offers bedazzled water bottles, flasks, cups, and more. See page for designs

@cleoluxe offers fanny packs, fishnets in all shades, sunglasses, and lashes

@mas.vlstockings are advertising fishnets with low waistbands. These are good for those of you wearing spider pants!

@carnivaldepot offers glitter fishnets and miles tights.

A few of the bands have fishnet and tight vendors at their mas camps too.

Notes:

  • If taking the fishnet or tights approach, try to find a color to match your skin tone. It should blend!

  • The pantyhose you wear to the office or church is not the same. Carnival tights/fishnets don’t have seams and are a much thicker material.

  • You don’t have to wear fishnets by the way - it’s not mandatory. Many feel more comfortable in them or want to give their costume a little extra sparkle.

  • AND PLEASE STOP PULLING UP YOUR FISHNETS TOWARD YOUR BRA. That trend has passed and it has never been cute. The waistband of your fishnets should be covered either with your belt, costume panty or if applicable.

  • The masquerader (@bahayogi) on the left models exactly how the fishnets should be worn!

  • The model on the right is a NO!!!!!!!! The band needs to be lowered and the fishnet color is wrong. Black would only work if the costume was black or had black accents.

Bags

@StyledfortheRoad

Carnival purses designed and handmade by Suzanna

She offers a variety of colors and currently has a sale going on. They are super cute.

styleprolix.com

styleprolix.jpg
 

@LimeCarnival

Stylish hydration packs for carnival or music festivals. (So you don’t have to get the hideous ones from Canada Tire)

https://www.limecarnival.com


DIY

Fanny packs are the trend for the road

Locally, take a look at places like ardent, urban behaviour, stitches, or forever 21; the quality isn’t the best tho!



Make Up

@CarnivalMakeUpKits 

Provide professionally-selected carnival makeup designed to match your costume in a compact kit!

Each kit is customized to your costume and includes:

  1. Glitter (x2 jars)

  2. Jewels (x2 sheets)

  3. Waterproof Cellphone Pouch

  4. Lash + Glue OR Glitter Primer

You can check out a recent interview they did we CP24: https://www.cp24.com/video?clipId=1734491


nikkid.jpg
 

Make Up Artists:

@nikkidmakeup

The photo is of some of Nikki’s work. She will be taking appointments on a first come first serve basis - connect with her to determine location.

@PreciselyYourPassion are providing carnival make up experiences including breakfast, photoshoot and more.

book online: preciselyourpassio.wixsite.com/precisely-pop-2


The accounts below I have never personally used before but they had quite attractive ads on IG. Nonetheless, sharing is caring:

@sholaseraphinabeauty offers brow styling and Caribana make up for Saldenah and Carnival Nationz

@facecandystudio limite slots remain.

IMG_0223.jpg
 


Carnival Beauty Lounge at the Radisson Hotel @honeybeautyinc - cool idea!

  • They’re promoting a variety of things such Makeup application, photoshoot, and shuttle to parade.

TIP:

  • If adding gems to your face from Dollarama; please place them INDIVIDUALLY not as the strip. Cute > Laziness.

  • Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on your face!!!


Footwear

  • Unfortunately there aren’t many local boot vendors but with a quick google you’ll see a bunch of vendors pop up that sell online. Hopefully you have a friend with Amazon prime.

  • Running shoes or sneakers are always your best bet.

  • Unless you’ve done it before avoid sandals, heels, and flats.

  • ANY footwear you pick Comfort IS KEY! It should also match your costume. 

  • PS: Carnival is a time to be larger than life! Bedazzling your shoes is welcomed - dohhh hold back!

  • Designer and Carnival Beauty @fon_rose some great footwear style below:

Community

Carnival Day Camp

Child Care Service For Masqueraders aged 4-12 years.

http://carnivaldaycamp.com

I believe registration deadline is July 26th - inquire ASAP.

day-camp-2019-sCREEN.jpg
 

@everybodyplayahmas

A body positive movement to showcase and celebrate diversity in Caribbean Carnivals.

Use the hashtag #EverybodyPlayAhMas in your social posts to be a part of change.

ebplm.png
 

Karabana 

Enjoy some of the best carnival coverage from this true masquerader.

She will more likely take your picture.

http://karabana.blogspot.ca

Couple More Tips Before I Go.

  • EAT BEFORE YOU GO ON THE ROAD - don’t rely on your band to feed you.

  • Leave the cards at home - cash is ideal

  • Invest in a battery pack for your phone. Reception is terrible along the route which quickly drains your battery.

  • Ensure you’re wearing good sunblock - costumes make for ugly tan lines


 

If you enjoyed this post, please leave a comment below and share share share. 

If tagging, you can find me on social @simplyshakera 

… and definitely let the vendors know Simply Shakera sent ya! Xo

xo