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:
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:
Glitter (x2 jars)
Jewels (x2 sheets)
Waterproof Cellphone Pouch
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
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
