Join the Mas League in this cosplay parade experience at the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn NYC, September 2nd 2024!
Join your fellow blerds for New York Carnival Labor Day 2024, in a collective display of individual creativity and infusion of West Indian parade traditions.
What is the NY West Indian Day Parade?
The culmination of a yearly, week-long Carnival celebration of all West Indian cultures across the Americas.
West Indian Carnival traditions stem from a mixture of ancestral African ceremonial play and colonial customs of pre-Lent celebrations. After slavery was abolished, the formerly restricted outdoor celebrations by now-freed Caribbean peoples became more decorative and over the top in their visual interpretations of folklore, of storytelling about freedom and the spirit of unity as a collective.
The West Indian Day Parade draws millions of spectators as thousands of masqueraders, floats and other celebrants participate in a 3+ mile procession across Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, NY. The Parkway is splashed by an ongoing sea of colorful costumers, steelpan music, popular DJs and artists from abroad, food vendors of every island and coast, stilt walkers and other traditional performers.
See below for footage from past parades:
Now, What is CosMAS?
An event project with the intention of creating space for blerds to connect to their roots across the diaspora, blending the magic of black Carnival masquerading across the West Indies with our love for anime and cosplay.
CosMAS takes on a DIY approach with the local community; Leading up to the West Indian Day Parade in Brooklyn, participate in multiple workshops with your fellow masqueraders, including our favorite local cosplayers, learn how to build your own mas costume with constructive feedback, some hands-on help and tutorials, and be ready to show out on the Parkway on Labor Day Monday!
The 2024 theme for CosMAS's premiere on the road is.....
Inspired by the Pokemon Universe
Band members will be able to choose their favorite Pokemon and portray them in a grand display!
Throughout the month of August, there will be multiple opportunities to gather and learn how to build mas costumes, with your favorite local cosplay influencers! Get critique on your mas design, some hands-on crafting assistance with peers, and learn more about Caribbean mas culture and other traditions across the African diaspora.
The CosMas Masquerade registration will include:
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wristband access to parade queue
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Our pool of materials to such as glue and sewing materials, wiring, craft foam materials and limited coloring materials for costume-building (for feathers and rhinestones/embellishments, we can do group orders for discounts)
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Standard backpack wire frame, upon request!
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3 to 4 workshops throughout the month of August to gather and learn how to build your costumes with your favorite local cosplayers, with snacks!
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Water, juice, soft drinks, and other energizing and hydrating snacks on the parade route!
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CosMAS 2024 swag bag
If you or someone you know are interested in volunteering (non-costumed positions), feel free to shoot an email to info@avrexperiences.com!
COSPLAY PARTNERS
COMMON QUESTIONS:
Q: What makes CosMAS different from other NY masquerade bands?
A: Being DIY cosplay-forward, CosMAS is primarily focused on setting the stage for blerd masqueraders to show their individual creativity and Carnival spirit. There are no designated designers, no color or theme/coordinated sections, everyone will have their own creative interpretation. Because of our approach, CosMAS registration is significantly lower in price compared to other camps, as a group we are trading hired labor to do what we do best as cosplayers! Just be mindful that this project involves some elbow grease to bring your Pokemon to life.
Q: Are there payment plans available?
A: Depending on eligibility, Paypal in 4 should be an option (click "Paypal or Pay Later" buttons on the first checkout screen after submitting your registration). Otherwise, please contact me at info@avrexperiences.com for payment arrangements!
Q: How will workshops be structured?
A: Each workshop will focus on specific costume components-- e.x., one on bra and/or bottoms, one on accessories (head dressings, arm/shin guards/garters), one on building backpacks, etc. There will be at least 4 workshop gatherings, however if masqueraders would like to gather more frequently on crafting we will try to facilitate more opportunities to meet!
Workshop polls and finalized schedules, along with locations will be communicated towards the end of July.
Q: Do I have to design and create my costume by hand? Can I commission someone to make one or me?
A: You are welcome to have your costume made on your own or by someone else, as long as it is themed and follows the costume guidelines of WIADCA.
WIADCA prohibits any bottoms that can risk coming undone or a slip of indecent exposure. They explicitly state no strings, no thongs, no G-strings, no C-cup underwear, no nude body painting, no wire-only bottoms. Wire bras are permitted for up to D-cup sizes and MUST be secure; chests larger than a D will require a full bra base/fuller coverage.
Information packets with examples that are okay and not okay will be emailed the week of July 18th and will be elaborated on during the first band meeting the first weekend of August.
Q: Will CosMAS provide everything needed to create my costume from start to finish?
A: CosMAS will provide bulk materials including handsewing materials, glues/adhesives, wiring materials, light coloring material and the like. Depending on masqueraders' designs, we will see about bulk-ordering feathers/rhinestones/embellishment materials for cheaper costs!
Masqueraders are responsible for sourcing their base garments to build upon, using the guidelines given by WIADCA. Sourcing one own base garments eliminates any back-and-forth or waste of unused or ill-fitted garments out of your control.
Masqueraders are encouraged to use their own dyes/paints/sprays in their free time and bring their garments and accessories prepared for building at workshop sessions.
Q: Are drinking alcoholic beverages allowed on the parade route?
A: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. Any presence of alcohol will result in the the band getting banned from the parkway. For safety on an approx. 3 mile march in potentially very hot conditions, do not drink alcohol before the parade, hydrate yourself often and eat snacks. The CosMAS team will have soft drinks, water and other snacks available to replenish yourself!
Q: I would like to attend with my children, are there any age restrictions in CosMAS band?
A: We welcome all ages, however individuals under 18 MUST be accompanied by a participating adult guardian. We will not facilitate a separate Junior Band for children, there will be a particular section where we will assign families with young children to give some space for more mature-dancing masqueraders.
Q: Is there a cancellation policy?
A: There are no refunds for cancellations of any kind, as registration will immediately go towards materials, booking workshop spaces and parade expenses.
Q: Are there any large party/pre-parade plans for CosMAS, e.x., J'ouvert?
A: We are not actively planning large party events as this is our first parade event and we want to ensure everything runs smoothly, however you may see us support or partner with other event organizers for carnival weekend partying! Stay tuned for further updates.
