Mardi Gras returns to ‘carnival city’ following demands of mas men

The Tuesday carnival costume display at Vincy Mas will return to Victoria Park this year, after its appearance at Little Tokyo in 2017.

As part of the thrust to add several new elements to Vincy Mas, the Carnival Development Corporation (CDC) made the decision last year to take Mardi Gras festivities out of the park and into the windward bus terminal, Little Tokyo.

However, mas men have requested that the costume display return to its place at ‘carnival city’, Victoria Park.

“We, as everybody knows, have had ding dong battles with the mas men over that but at the end of it, we have decided that the mas men made it very clear that they are the ones who bring mas and they are the ones who are insisting on going back to the Victoria Park and we have decided that there ought not to be a lot of energy expended in fighting the mas men over what they want to do,” said Ricardo Adams, the CDC chairman during a press conference on Tuesday.

Adams further revealed that persons will be able to view the bands cross the stage free of charge.

“Those persons who thought that the $5 charge was a deterrent, you are encouraged to make your way down to the Victoria Park,” he said.

“Anyone interested in going to view the mas men tell their stories as they cross the stage, you are certainly welcomed and encouraged to do so.”

Hugh Ragguette, the president of the Carnival Bands Association said that of the 17 bands registered with the Association, 15 will make presentations at this year’s Mardi Gras festivities.