1199 SEIU Social Cultural Committee wins Caribbean Carnival Adult Band of the Year title

WIADCA said 1199 SEIU Social Cultural Committee took the top spot with  “Mesmerized.” 

Tropical Taste Mas Band/Dynasty Mas Band placed second with “Enchanted Tribal Colors.” Wiicked Feterz Mas Band & Da Set United Mas Camp, with “Carnival Jumbee Collective,” placed third. 

For Junior bands in the small category, WIADCA said Charlize Horizon’s “Give Them Performance” placed first; One Your Toes Junior Mas Band, with “Out of the World,” took the second spot; and Mas Production Unlimited’s “Inca” placed third. 

In the Junior Bands’ medium category, D’Midas International NYC, Inc., with “Oasis Garden,” was the winner; Inspired by Zoe,  “Heavenly Radiance” placed second; and Kaiso Moko Jumbies USA took the second spot with “The Battle.” 

For Junior Bands in the large category, Sherzel Productions Mas — with “Revolution the Rise of Energy” — was the winner; Stronjeh International’s “A Journey Into Africa” placed second; and 1199 SIEU Cultural Group, with “Mesmerized,” placed third. 

“Mas is at the heart of Carnival. Every costume that crossed the stage and Eastern Parkway represents months of imagination, design, construction, sacrifice, financial investment, and extraordinary cultural artistry,” said WIADCA Chairman Andrew Maloney, Esq.  

“Whether recognized with a title or not, every band and masquerader who presented our culture this year contributed to the continuing legacy of Caribbean Carnival in New York City,” he added. 

Maloney also extended “special congratulations” to the Kings, Queens, and individual masqueraders “whose presentations demonstrated the craftsmanship, storytelling, imagination, and theatrical traditions that distinguish Caribbean mas. 

“Our young masqueraders deserve particular recognition,” he said. “Their participation ensures that these traditions are not simply remembered, but actively passed from one generation to the next.” 

Maloney said WIADCA recognized that competition is only one part of Carnival, stating that “behind every placement are many bands and individuals who invested their time, resources, talent, and hearts into bringing their presentations to the road.”

In addition, he said WIADCA  recognized “the disappointment experienced by those bands whose presentations were equally impressive but, due to circumstances beyond the organization’s control, were unable to reach the official judging point and, therefore, did not have the opportunity to be judged. 

“We sincerely apologize to those bands, their designers, masqueraders and supporters for that disappointment,” Maloney said. “Their tremendous artistry, preparation, investment, and contribution to the 2026 New York Carnival are no less valued or worthy of recognition, and we thank them for the extraordinary presentations they brought to the road.” 

He said discussions are already underway to determine “the most appropriate path forward, including what actions may be taken to support and assist the bands affected by the shortcomings and circumstances surrounding this year’s presentation.”

Maloney said WIADCA is “committed to engaging directly with the impacted bands, listening to their concerns, and identifying fair and meaningful steps that acknowledge their investment, preparation, and contribution to New York Carnival. 

“We thank every band that participated, regardless of placement or whether they had the opportunity to be judged, for continuing to build, preserve, and elevate this cultural tradition,” he said. “As we enter our 60th year of stewardship, strengthening and supporting the mas community will remain central to the path forward.