By Stephen Weir
Whereas many native Carnival aficionados are in Trinidad celebrating Carnival, others have stayed behind in Toronto to organize for what guarantees to be an epic occasion on April twenty fifth.
E.P.I.C. Carnival, a medium-sized mas band, is celebrating its tenth yr collaborating in Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival and is on the brink of present their stuff. The acronym “E.P.I.C.” stands for Power, Ardour, Creativeness, and Tradition.
Jerrol Augustine, often known as “Stretch,” is the bandleader of E.P.I.C. Carnival. He not too long ago introduced the theme for this yr’s presentation and confirmed April twenty fifth because the official date for its costume launch.
Every year, the band unveils a brand new theme for the carnival. In 2024, their theme was “Creativeness,” that includes sections equivalent to Grenadus, Ethereal, Day Dream, Aquaria, and Wild Ideas.
This yr, in keeping with Stretch’s Instagram account, the 2025 theme is “CULTURE: Our Tales & Celebrations.” E.P.I.C. goals to amplify the tales, legends, legacies, and histories of Caribbean individuals and past.
“Our aim is to honour our ancestors, rejoice our distinctive traditions, and ignite enthusiasm for future generations. Via artwork, music, folklore, dance, and creativity, we try to deliver individuals collectively, embracing each our individuality and our collective magnificence.”
The band has not but revealed the situation of its launch social gathering. Tons of and lots of of keen revellers are anticipated to catch their first glimpse of E.P.I.C.’s daring and horny 2025 costume designs, which will likely be showcased on the highway at Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Grand Parade on August 3.
E.P.I.C. is the primary mas band to announce its launch date and has already begun updating its Instagram and web site with particulars concerning the particular person sections that may kind the 2025 presentation.
One main announcement is that TruDynasty Carnival, a preferred band part, has formally joined E.P.I.C. Final yr, TruDynasty Carnival paraded with the Revellers.
“Within the coming weeks, keep tuned for the disclosing of the TruDynasty Carnival part that may embody our exploration of legacies and the celebration of tradition,” wrote chief and costume designer Thea Jackson.
“Our journey shall honour our ancestors, rejoice our distinctive traditions, and lay a powerful basis for future generations and their expression of Carnival.”
With pleasure constructing and new collaborations underway, all eyes are on E.P.I.C. as they put together to ship one other unforgettable expertise for Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival in 2025.
