Choosing A Band

Once you decide to ‘play mas’ AKA purchase a costume from a provider (band) and join in the two day parade (which we strongly recommend!) your next decision is where to play. Once you realize how many options there are, this can become a mammoth feat. Have no fear, we are here to lead the way!

Firstly, you have to choose what is most important to you;

vibes, costume design, costume extravagance, band amenities, band age range, budget or native to visitor ratio.

Once you do that, you can determine which bands give you the best mixture of the things you need.  

There are three categories of band sizes (small, medium and large) and these will determine how many different designs or sections the band has. Each year, each band chooses a theme and their costume designs will revolve around it. Large bands are the most popular and usually consist of 8-12 sections. This can mean anywhere from 3000-9000 people!  Usually each section has three design elements involved: a male costume, a female frontline and a female backline costume. The frontline is the more fanciful and costly of the female options whilst the backline is more of a basic design. Depending on your band choice, costumes can range from $300 USD to $1500 USD.

All-Inclusive Bands usually provide (for the price of the costume):

• The Costume

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Food (breakfast, lunch, snacks)

• Music

• Security

• On Site Paramedics

• Mobile Bathrooms

• Midday Rest Stop