Walking into the Pavillion, for the Utopia Mas carnival band launch, we’re greeted with warmth.
It feels like a big family party, at home in the Caribbean.
Some people are sitting in round tables, some others are standing, and everyone seems to be happy to be together again, to celebrate the opening of the Carnival Season.

The launch starts promptly, and we’re treated with three performances, the singer Dee Vine, the energetic dancers Raw Katz and a beautiful rendition of  Clean Bandit’s Rather Be on steel pan by Pandeva

And then it’s the carnival show, for this year’s theme: Le Chic.

First comes the section Oh La La! with an impressive frontline of orange feathers.
Then Trini Chic, with fantastic white headpieces together with a children section.
And finally Belle En Noir, very dark, timeless and elegant.

utopia
We then meet Utopia owner, the very friendly Judith Brown.
She tells us that, she crafts all the costumes of the float with her husband, costume designer David in their home and garden!

They also organise workshops through the carnival season, to create all 80 costumes in time for the carnival.

Leaving for the night feels a bit like leaving family.
If you’re looking for a friendly, and family atmosphere. And also if you’re interested in creating your costume and learn more about the carnival tradition, then surely, Utopia mas is for you!

View all Utopia Mas costumes for NHC 2015