Stephen Weir articles, editorials and popular social media weir postings

 Fantazia already dreaming about  making their Caribana costumes! costume launch 2013 by Parris Visuals You know that spring is right around the corner when Wiarton Willie doesn’t see his shadow, the kid’s snowman is now a puddle and Fantazia has posted posters for their Spring 2024 costume launch! The mas band is marking its 15th annual launch on April 14th this year at the Peter N Paul Banquet Hall in Scarborough (Milner Ave). And, while band leader Will Morton says it is a little early yet to let all the details of the coming fete, in a recent talk with the Caribbean Camera he let a few things slip out including the theme of the party. “We are coming a month earlier than last year,” said band co-leader Will Morton. “We hope to be bigger than in 2023. But don’t want to say too much right now about but as the picture on our website show, it is Uncut Gemz!” “We will be announcing our sections and the gemstones that they are (using for inspiration).” And yes, diamonds in the rough wil

Two stories about two Toronto Mas Bands Launching On Same Night Reveller's Treasure Island costumes - from Reveller's FB Reveller's Treasure Map Says Launch is in North Toronto this Saturday Early last month the Toronto Revellers announced that their 2019 costume launch will be held this Saturday night in Toronto.  The theme for the costumed fete is Treasure Island. The Saturday night date puts the Revellers into head-to-head competition with the launch previously advertised for Fantazia.  Fantazia and their flaming phoenix logo announced a later start-time for their fashion show (12.30am) for the carnival die-hards it might be possible to catch both events. Jamaal - picture by Stephen Weir "Please join us Saturday April 6, as Toronto Revellers unveil our beautiful costumes for 2019 Peeks Toronto Caribbean Carnival," wrote  the band founder Jamaal Magloire. The Revellers will be holding their launch at the York Mills Gallery on Leslie

Many have themes and some plan to travel Tribal 2018 Costume Launch Caribbean Camera By Stephen Weir: Used to be that when carnival ends in Toronto and the wrap-up band parties have been laid to rest, people move on to think about Parangs, Christmas and Hockey. Not so this year! Even though the 2019 parade is still nine months away, many of the Mas bands in the city have already announced their themes for next year’s parade and are holding events to showcase what’s in store for revelers! Judging by social media postings and one-on-one interviews, the first two bands to announce their themes for 2019 appear to have been Epic Carnival and Fantazia. Three other bands have revealed next year’s themes and the rest of the bands should be following suit soon.   “This year, EPIC Carnival is portraying the theme Persona. We want a unique theme that captures the energy, passion, imagination and culture of our masquerader,” Nadia Jethoo, the Epic Carnival Volunteer Coordinato

Fantazia Junior Launch Was Fantaztic By Stephen Weir, photographs by Don Moreland For the kiddies who play Mas with Fantazia Carnival, the elements aren’t hurricanes and volcanoes; they are gentle breezes, friendly sunsets and warm blue water.   On the weekend the Fantazia Carnival held a launch party for junior revelers – the children that will be taking part in the July 21 Junior Carnival Parade. Will Morton, driving force behind Fantazia, has long been known for the uniqueness and beauty of the costumes.   This year he has chosen the Elements, as the inspiration for the costumes that will be worn on the road, be it the Kiddies Parade or Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade for adults on August 4 th . When it comes to the adults, the costumes based on ice, fire, wind and water, are sexy, basically being more feathers than fabric.   With the kids it is different. The costumes for the children are both modest and comfortable.   What made this