Since its earliest known historical appearance in 1791 in St. Vincent, the masquerade (mas) character known as Moko Jumbie has enchanted and frightened people throughout the Caribbean and its diasporas. With a mesmerising spectacle of balance and regalia, the guardian spirit both protects and participates in the Carnival street festivities. As a protector, Moko Jumbie is a reminder that playing mas is rooted in resistance to colonial oppression and Euro-centric religiosity. As a participant, Moko Jumbie is an expression and celebration of emancipation and freedom.
Generations of practitioners have continued this West African masquerade tradition in Afro-Caribbean communities worldwide, and, famously, here in Toronto, where Carnival has had a long relationship with the streets of our city. From its beginnings on Bloor, Yonge, and University to its current route along Lake Shore, each summer Carnival brings the Caribbean-Canadian community together ‘pon de road’ along with the rest of the city, to celebrate joy and liberation.
This summer, as we welcome Carnival back to the streets of Toronto, Michael Lee Poy’s Moko Jumbie Mas Camp will take over The Bentway Studio at Canoe Landing in June and July, offering a free series of youth-centred workshops in costume-making, stilt-walking, and more. The workshops will be led by local and international artists.
The Mas Camp uses indigenous Afro-Caribbean masquerade practices to promote collaborative learning environments, team building, and leadership training for young people ages 10+ and their parents. The workshops, along with regular stilt-walking practice, will enable students to balance, dance, and comfortably wear regalia for a grand finale parade in and around Canoe Landing Park on Sunday, July 17.
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