KhaRå Martin, Toronto actress and filmmaker, enlightens views about the hidden messages in the revelry of the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival started in the ‘60s. Originally called Caribana, it was a street party with great Caribbean costumes, food and music. It also celebrates Emancipation Day, Aug. 1, the date when the Slavery Abolition Act was passed by Britain in 1834. A giant parade (really it’s street theatre) with mas (masquerade) bands, a steel pan showcase and a calypso event are included in the now weeks long event. Dexter Seusahai, the founder of one of the most successful mas bands, supervises the production of hundreds of elaborate mas costumes every year. Wendy Jones, founder of Pan Fantasy Steelband, describes the history of pan music, and how they prepare for competition. The future of Carnival depends on young people interacting with older generations to learn about its roots and what playing mas represents.