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\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\nWith one of the biggest parties of the summer just around the corner, Priscilla Mobin puts the final touches on one of the more elaborate pieces she\u2019s designed for the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade.<\/p>\n
\u201cI decided to go with an underwater, mermaid type of theme for this section here. It\u2019s coral, there\u2019s themes of shells and essences of a beautiful woman coming out of the sea dripping in water,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n
Mobin\u2019s section is one of nearly a dozen in Carnival Nationz, one of the more prominent masquerade bands \u2013 or mas bands \u2013 in Toronto. At their headquarters in Scarborough, hundreds of bags sit ready to be picked up by customers, some of whom have waited months to get them.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a lot of work. It\u2019s a lot of time, especially coming in on the last month or so when you get the supplies in from suppliers and stuff, and you start to put together the costumes,\u201d says band leader Bryce Aguiton. \u201cBut it\u2019s worth it when you see that masquerader walk out with a smile on their face and they\u2019re looking forward to the road.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carnival Nationz\u2019s theme this year is a familiar one, having to do with a major soccer event that just ended.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe did it in 2006 when Trinidad qualified for the World Cup for the first time. So this is our version two because it came home to Canada,\u201d said Aguiton.<\/p>\n
The band says there are nearly 1,000 masqueraders in their group alone this year, split up into different sections representing different countries.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what mas is about. Getting people together, having fun, different cultures, different backgrounds,\u201d added Aguiton.<\/p>\n
The weekend kicks off with the King and Queen showcase on Thursday evening.<\/p>\n
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\t\t\t\tOne of the elaborate costumes that will be in this weekend’s Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade is seen. CITYNEWS <\/p>\n
\t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n
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