Mas Camps
Mas camps are the headquarters of the Carnival bands where the costumes are produced. Often converted private houses, the camps provide a focus for the whole Trinidadian art community, and you can usually watch costumes being made if you ring in advance - during the Carnival season they're regularly open 24 hours a day. All the bands display some ten to twenty designs in the run-up to Carnival, and costumes can even be purchased; prices start at about US$100. Contemporary costumes are increasingly revealing, catering to the mainly female participants' desire to show off their assets, though a few, such as those of the Old Fashioned Sailors camp and the designs of Cito Velazquez , still stick to traditional artistic creations. For an idea of traditional family-run camps visit the Mas Factory (15 Buller St, Woodbrook tel 868/628-1178) - known for their skilful wire-bending - and D'Midas Associates (15-17 Kitchener St, Woodbrook tel 868/622-8233) - famous for their feathers. Those interested in more modern factory-style production and minimal costumes should visit Masquerade (49-51 Cipriani Blvd, Newtown tel 868/623-2161). For more information check the National Carnival Commission's website
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