Cariwest Festival is all about #Famalay!
If you missed the Mas Band Launch for the 2019 Cariwest Festival, you totally missed out!
It’s hard to describe the energy and excitement that filled the Art Gallery of Alberta the evening of May 25. It was definitely one of the most positive cultural experiences this attendee has ever had.
What is Mas Band? It is the reveal party for Cariwest Festival. All of the Bands (costume teams) present their new creations and themes for the first time. These will be what each band will be wearing at the Cariwest Festival, being held from August 9-11 this year. There were feathers and there was sparkle and infectious
Caribbean music filled the air as the members of each band danced their way down the runway to loud cheers and everyone singing along to Famalay.
Another highlight of this year’s Mas Band Launch was the presence of the Edmonton Stingers and The SWARM Dance Team. The Edmonton Stingers are one of six teams in the newly formed Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) and, Edmonton’s very own professional Basketball Team. On hand to help out with the smaller models, take photos, and greet guests were players Akeem Ellis, Grandy Glaze, and Ashton Scott. Dance Team Lead and Choreographer, Ashley Mullan, and professional dancer, Bria, put on some Cariwest costumes and took their places to welcome guests at the door.
About Cariwest
Cariwest is one of Edmonton’s most colorful and vibrant festivals! This year is our 35th anniversary! Cariwest was first introduced by the Western Carnival Development Association (WCDA), to fill the need of Caribbean Canadians to share their Music, Cuisine and Carnival Culture.
Today, Cariwest is proud to be a member of a worldwide community that makes Carnival a major tourist attraction. Cariwest Festival involves thousands of dedicated artists, participants, volunteers and generous sponsors. It is a unique annual event that attracts more than 80,000 people over three days.
The 3-day event includes a Friday Night Costume Extravaganza at Capital Plaza, a Saturday parade down Jasper Avenue, and the Caribbean Village with lively Entertainment all day Saturday and Sunday at Capital Plaza.
Check out the bands and the costumes at www.cariwest.ca. You can still apply to be a member of one of the bands and participate in this incredible experience that celebrates Caribbean culture!
More information about the Edmonton Stingers is at www.thestingers.ca