Features

It’s A Whole New World

August 1, 2024

They say you learn something new every day. And boy, do I have a fun and exciting lesson for you today. Caribbean Carnival is a world you probably never imagined made up of bright colors, shimmering gems and stones, and sex appeal galore.

It all starts with a band. But not the band that you’re use to. Remember, this is a whole new world we’re talking about here. So, we’re going to let BFE Miami be our guide. BFE Miami is one of the premier Caribbean Carnival Bands here is Florida leading the charge in Caribbean Carnival costumes and fanfare. But we’re still at the beginning, what is a band as it relates to Caribbean Carnival?

Unlike traditional bands as we know them to be in America, a Caribbean Carnival Band is a group formed of people that create and provide costumes for the purpose of wearing while dancing in a Caribbean Carnival Parade. The term Band is short for Mas Band which is also an abbreviated term that is the original phrase of a Band, Masquerade Band. And there we have it, yet other new word to add to the lesson.

Masquerader is a term used in the Caribbean to describe an individual that dresses in the over-the-top bright feathered and gemmed costume, who join a carnival group (a band) so they can participate with others in a Caribbean Carnival Parade. Bands could be a group of friends or a family that started the carnival group like that of BFE Miami. The premier carnival group is a family band kin to our very own cover model for this year’s HOTspots Magazine PrideFête issue.

Our PrideFête Barbadian Cover Model Rashad Barrow’s family created the Band BFE Miami, and their costumes are hot, hot, hot! From the perfectly placed gems throughout the costumes to the elaborate backpacks. Word Check! As we already know by now, words have different meanings from what were used to when it comes to Caribbean Carnival. And backpack is one of those words.

For Caribbean Carnival, a backpack is the name of the feather arrangement that adorns the back of the costume. It’s not directly attached to the costume itself but rather a separate piece that is secured over the shoulders with lightweight metal rods as the base of the backpack and string to help it stay tight on the back. A secure backpack is essential with all the gyrating and wining going on while wearing the elaborate bright-colored feather arrangement.

No, not “whining.” But “wining,” a sensual dance move rotating your hips from side to side in a circular motion while crouched down slightly at the knees. The enticing dance move is a staple in Caribbean culture, and no Caribbean Carnival is complete without a constant wine throughout the affair. But of course, that’s the case because with continuous music blaring while herds of people are dressed seductively, you can’t help but wine your waist to the captivating rhythm while dancing with someone that caught your eye, which brings us to PrideFête.

The PrideFête Festival taking place on Saturday, August 10, 2024, from 6pm to 11pm at Richardson Historical Park and Nature Preserve (1937 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305) is an opportunity for the LGBTQ+ Caribbean community and their allies to come together and wine on each other with full freedom of self-expression, love for one another, and love for the Caribbean culture. It’s the only Caribbean festival in Florida where the LGBTQ+ community is totally safe to partake in the Caribbean culture without fear of intolerance or violence.

The safe-space festival will include Caribbean music, food, and culture with a group of masqueraders of our own, drummers, performers, and a fire dancer at nightfall!

Get your $7 presale ticket or $55 presale VIP ticket that includes indoor a/c, lite bites, and 5 comped drinks at PrideFete.lgbt.

Prices go up on the day of the event to $10 General Admission and $75 for VIP. The event is completely cashless so purchase in advance or make sure to bring your card at the door.

Learn more about BFE Miami and how you can be part of their Miami Carnival Band by visiting their website at www.bfemas.com.