STRETCH IS GOING CULTURAL FOR GRANDE PARADE

 E.P.I.C. Carnival Gears Up for an Epic April 25th Costume Launch

By Stephen Weir

While many local Carnival aficionados are in Trinidad celebrating Carnival, others have stayed behind in Toronto to prepare for what promises to be an epic event on April 25th.

E.P.I.C. Carnival, a medium-sized mas band, is celebrating its tenth year participating in Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival and is getting ready to show their stuff. The acronym "E.P.I.C." stands for Energy, Passion, Imagination, and Culture.

Jerrol Augustine, also known as "Stretch," is the bandleader of E.P.I.C. Carnival. He recently announced the theme for this year’s presentation and confirmed April 25th as the official date for its costume launch.

Each year, the band unveils a new theme for the carnival. In 2024, their theme was "Imagination," featuring sections such as Grenadus, Ethereal, Day Dream, Aquaria, and Wild Thoughts.

This year, according to Stretch’s Instagram account, the 2025 theme is “CULTURE: Our Stories & Celebrations.”E.P.I.C. aims to amplify the stories, legends, legacies, and histories of Caribbean people and beyond.

“Our goal is to honour our ancestors, celebrate our unique traditions, and ignite enthusiasm for future generations. Through art, music, folklore, dance, and creativity, we strive to bring people together, embracing both our individuality and our collective beauty.”

The band has not yet revealed the location of its costume launch party. Hundreds and hundreds of eager revellers are expected to catch their first glimpse of E.P.I.C.’s bold and sexy 2025costume designs, which will be showcased on the road at Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Grand Parade on August 3.

E.P.I.C. is the first mas band to announce its costume launch date and has already begun updating its Instagram and website with details about the individual sections that will form the 2025 presentation.

One major announcement is that TruDynasty Carnival, a popular band section, has officially joined E.P.I.C. Last year, TruDynasty Carnival paraded with the Revellers.

“In the coming weeks, stay tuned for the unveiling of the TruDynasty Carnival section that will embody our exploration of legacies and the celebration of culture,” wrote leader and costume designer Thea Jackson.

“Our journey shall honour our ancestors, celebrate our unique traditions, and lay a strong foundation for future generations and their expression of Carnival.”

With excitement building and new collaborations underway, all eyes are on E.P.I.C. Carnival as they prepare to deliver another unforgettable experience for Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival in 2025.