Top 5 Must Tries for Caribana Weekend

There is so much to do during Caribana weekend. Caribana Toronto is the site with all your Caribana needs. You can find hotel deals, events, weekend passes, and photos there. Below, I’ve compiled a list of some of the fetes I went to during Caribana weekend that I totally recommend.

Blocko

Blocko was my favorite party during Caribana weekend. The day party is held at Rebel nightclub. The club is massive holding a capacity of nearly 8,000 people indoors and another 8,000 outdoors at their adjacent patio bar Cabana. The party combines Hip-Hop and Dance Hall/Soca bringing 20 somethings to 30 somethings together for the ultimate turn up! This year’s guest appearances were Fabolous and The Shiggy Show (the Instagram comedian who made up #TheShiggyChallenge).

The energy was incredible! This party is definitely a must for Caribana weekend.

Soca or Die

This fete held at Cabana is a time! It took some time to build up but when it did, it DID! Soca or Die lives up to its name. You will hear Soca hits from all over the Caribbean and even Soca from different eras. It’s a true Soca lovers heaven.

Cabana has a VIP pool section for party goers to enjoy. 

Whether you’re in VIP or not, you are sure to have fun!

Playing Mas

One of the best things about Carnival is playing mas! Playing mas in Toronto for Caribana is a great introduction to the carnival life. Toronto can be cheaper to travel to (depending on where you live), the costumes are less expensive than other carnivals, and getting a place to stay can also be less expensive compared to the room and board you’d have to pay when participating in other carnivals.  

Choosing a band is your first step in playing mas in any carnival (visit "We Ready Fi Di Road!" #CropOver2017 to learn more about playing mas, bands, judging, etc.). The band you play with makes all the difference in your experience on road. Another factor is the number your band is in the lineup for judgment. If your band is first, road goes by relatively quickly compared to if you were 4th or 5th.

I played mas with Toronto Revellers. My first time ever playing mas was with them two years ago and it was an incredible experience. I have to say this year I was disappointed, and I wasn’t completely satisfied with my experience. Costume pick up was quick and painless which I appreciated. However, my costume was the wrong size, it was not what was depicted online, and it was poorly made.

Epectation Vs. Reality

They were very nice about correcting the error and had great customer service. The other issue I had was that our band was first going to judging so the road experience was cut very short. It was to the point were people were unsure of whether we had finished or were taking a break. Not the experience I was expecting at all.  

But of course, you have to make the best of every situation so below is a video of some on the road fun.

High Noon

High Noon is a carnival day cruise where di vibez cyan done! Upon boarding the boat, you are greeted with a welcome cup and buffet station with several Caribbean dishes to choose from. The food was scrumptious! The crowd has a good mix of young and older. There was a live band playing along to the songs spun by the DJ.

My only complaint is that you’re having so much fun you don’t realize how fast the time is flying. Five hours goes by quickly when you're having a good time lol.

Problem Child performed his smash hit “Middle of Something”.

Carnival Euphoria

Carnival Euphoria fete was held at Dream Lounge. The lounge has and indoor and outdoor section, and the crowd at this party is also diverse in age. The music was good and the party had great vibes!