• How do I find out which bands are involved in Chicago Carifete
• How do I choose a band?
• What to do after I buy a costume
• Other Considerations

How do I find out which bands are involved in Chicago Carifete this year?

The Mas Camp section on ChicagoCarifete.com will give you a complete list of Bands, their Mas Camp location and contact information

How do I choose a band?

Each MAS band will have a costume theme and within each band there may be anywhere from 1 to 10 sections in one band, each with a different design. Choose the design you love the most!

The following are some criteria that should guide you in making a decision to play mas with a particular band.

You should look at the theme of the band and costume designs of the individual sections to see if you like the costumes. You can view these costumes by either visiting the band's web site or going to the mas camp itself.

Don't be afraid to go to the mas camp and tell them that you have never participated in Chicago Carnival before. The people at the mas camp will be glad to help you.

Costumes can also be seen at the band's launch party. It is called a Band Launching.

Look in the Mas Camp section of Chicagocarifete.com.

Make the price of the costume fits within your budget. Costumes can range anywhere from $50.00 to $150.

The Parade

Every band is assigned a position in the parade. So based on the starting time of 12noon, they can estimate the time at which their band will enter the parade. This is useful for working around your party and time schedule. So ask the band organizers what their position number is and the estimated time of entry into the parade.

Band size

If crowds concern you, ask what the targeted size of the section of the band that you are interested in. This way, you can choose that crowd size that suits you.

Age restrictions

There is no age restriction or bracket for any band, but a band organizer may be able to tell what age bracket of people generally participate in certain sections or the band all overall

Bring a friend!!!!

Carifete is no fun unless you have at least one friend or mate to jump up with. So make sure you and your fellow masqueraders and in at least the same band if not the same section.

If you prefer a particular live band or DJ or just any live band over a DJ, then check out which live bands and DJs are going to be on the road with the different bands. You find out this information in the Mas Camp section or by contacting the mas camp directly. Find out which sections in the bands are associated with the music truck that you want.

Sample the latest soca hits

Listen to samples of 2008 Soca Releases on FeteNet.com courtesy of the Caribbean Connection.

What to do after I buy a costume?

When do I pick up my costume

Where do we meet on Chicago Carifete day?

What time to we meet on Chicago Carnival day

Other Considerations

Try on your costume at home and make sure everything fits properly. Make any necessary adjustments. Figure out whether you are taking the train, taxi or driving down to the parade. Check chicagocarifete.com for parade route