San Fernando Mayor Junia Regrello says mas makers must now take their mas to the people in order to boost Carnival in the southern city.
Regrello spoke at the launch of San Fernando Carnival on Saturday night, which was held at Rising Star Restaurant and Hookah Lounge.
He said masqueraders were no longer going to the mas camps, therefore the onus was on the mas makers to attract potential masqueraders.
One option was to visit the clubs and parties to show what they have to offers in terms of costumes and prices.
Regrello said the given the lack of financial resources for hosting events, the San Fernando City Corporation (SFCC) decided to partner with the restaurant to launch Carnival.
He said the venue was free while the music and patrons were already there.
He said while it saved money for the City, it also brought in cash and promotion for the business. He said it was a model that the corporation may adopt from now on.
Although Port-of-Spain has been touted as the mecca of Carnival, he urged locals to stay in San Fernando, saying that it was a celebration like no other.
The launch included a parade of costumes and well as traditional mas characters.