San Fernando mas band leaders are feeling the effects of the economic downturn as one mas band veteran says half of his usual number of masqueraders are yet to register.
Lionel Jagessar told the T&T Guardian yesterday that with just two weeks left before Carnival 2016, he barely has 200 masqueraders registered.
“The turnout is significantly less. I usually have over 400 masqueraders; right now the band has barely reached 200,” Jagessar said.
“It seems as though a lot of people are holding back this year and opting not to spend their money for Carnival.”
Jagessar said he has tried to keep his prices down, with frontline female costumes priced at $2,200.
“The costumes range from $1,500 to $2,200 and that is all-inclusive, with food, drinks, cool down trucks and full security. We are trying to keep a certain price to attract masqueraders, but so far, it’s not really working.”
The son of another band leader, Aaron Kalicharan, said his family has put measures in place to soften the blow to masqueraders.
Kalicharan said his family decided to keep costume prices the same as 2015, although the cost of materials had gone up.
“We have decided to cost our mas in such a way that we make a lower profit margin,” Kalicharan. “We have managed to keep the cost down for the individual pieces.”
Kalicharan said their prices ranged from $1,500 to $1,600 for individuals and $2,800 for all-inclusive.
“We have the all-inclusive for $2,800, which we think would be feasible for the average person. We know our market, but we have seen a minor cutback in the amount of revellers.”
Kalicharan said the band averages 1,000 patrons every year and he expects to see close to the same amount this year.