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COUNTDOWN TO LABOR DAY CARNIVAL 2026
HOW TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE LABOR DAY PARADE IN NEW YORK
WITH SESAME FLYERS INTERNATIONAL
Welcome to the Road!
If you’re new to Carnival, or this is your first time
“playing Mas” with Sesame Flyers International,
you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you
through every step of the experience, from understanding
what Mas is, to getting your costume, to hitting the road in
the Labor Day Carnival Parade on Eastern Parkway in
Brooklyn, New York.
WHAT IS MAS?
(AND WHY
IS IT SO SPECIAL)
“Mas” is short for “Masquerade,” and it’s at the heart of
Caribbean Carnival culture. But this isn’t just a costume
party.
When you join Mas, you become a Masquerader, a living part
of a colorful, energetic cultural celebration filled with
music, movement, and meaning. It’s an artistic performance,
a street theater, and a tribute to Caribbean heritage and
freedom, all rolled into one.
Every year on Labor Day, the streets of Brooklyn transform
into a stage. The parade starts on Eastern Parkway and ends
at Grand Army Plaza, with thousands of Masqueraders dancing
through the streets in breathtaking costumes. Along the
route, there’s a stage where each Mas band can show off
their creativity and energy.
And with Sesame Flyers, you’re not just watching the
spectacle, you’re in it.
STEP
ONE
BEFORE YOU REGISTER
CHOOSE YOUR COSTUME
Your Carnival journey begins at our Mas Camp, the
headquarters for Sesame Flyers’ Carnival operations:
3510 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203
This is where all the magic starts. Here’s what you can do:
Visit Mas Camp to View Costumes:
Stop by in person to see the costume designs up close
they’ll be on display on mannequins throughout the
season.
Can’t make it in person? Browse online at:
https://sesameflyers.masos.app/events
Attend the Band Launch:
The Band Launch is our official costume reveal event!
Models walk the runway to showcase each design, and it
marks the start of Carnival season.
If you miss it, don’t worry the costumes will remain on
display afterward.
STEP TWO
REGISTER & PURCHASE
YOUR COSTUME
Once you’ve picked your favorite costume (each one belongs
to a section of the band), it’s time to lock it in.
How to Order:
Go to
https://sesameflyers.masos.app/events
Select your costume and complete your registration
online.
Payment Details:
You don’t need to pay in full upfront.
A minimum deposit of $100 or $200 (depending on the
costume) is required at checkout.
The total cost and required deposit will be shown when
you make your selection.
Costumes are first come, first served, and quantities are
limited. If a costume is sold out on the website, it will no
longer be available, even at Mas Camp so act fast.
Payment Deadline:
The full balance must be paid on or before Costume
Distribution Day.
You’ll receive the specific date and pickup information
by email after registering.
STEP THREE
COSTUME DISTRIBUTION
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is the big day when you get your full costume and
everything else you’ll need for the parade. You will get
your costume a few days before the parade and we will notify
you via email and through the instagram page.
You’ll Receive:
Your complete costume – ready to wear on parade day
Labor Day Monday
Two wristbands:
General Wristband: This gives you access to the
parade route (Eastern Parkway. You must wear
this to be part of the Mas band.
Food and Drink Wristband: This gives you access to
drinks and snacks along the route.
Important: Once you receive your costume, no alterations
can be made by Sesame Flyers. But you’re welcome to
personalize your costume and add your own flair!
STEP FOUR
PARADE DAY
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE ROAD
The big day is here! Here’s a breakdown of how it all flows:
Group Breakfast at Mas Camp
Before hitting the road, join your fellow Masqueraders for a
light breakfast at Mas Camp as early as 7am. This is your
chance to mingle, eat, take photos, and get excited
together.
Walk to the Starting Point
After we receive clearance from the NYPD, we’ll head to the
parade starting point:
Eastern Parkway & Buffalo Avenue
You can join us at Mas Camp for the group walk, or meet the
group directly at the starting point if that’s easier for
you.
The Parade Begins!
The route travels along Eastern Parkway, ending at Grand
Army Plaza.
Along the way, we’ll dance, perform, and celebrate with our
music trucks playing top soca and Caribbean music.
Crossing the Stage
At the end of the route, we’ll pass across a judging stage
at Grand Army Plaza.
Note: Sesame Flyers no longer competes in the official
judging competition, but we still cross the stage and
bring all the vibes, energy, and spirit! It’s your time
to shine. Strut, pose, dance, show the world your
costume and your joy.
STEP FIVE
AFTER THE PARADE
KEEP THE VIBES GOING
After the last soca song plays and we finish our route,
the
experience isn’t over.
Join us back at Mas Camp for the After
Party!
It’s a relaxed, fun environment where Masqueraders can:
Eat and drink
Chill and share stories
Take photos in costume
Celebrate your Carnival experience!
FIRST TIME TIPS
WHAT EVERY NEW MASQUERADER
SHOULD KNOW
Wear comfortable shoes – You’ll be dancing and walking
for several hours. Decorate them if you like, but make
sure they’re supportive.
Capture the memories – Bring your phone (in a pouch or
secure bag), or coordinate with friends to take photos
and videos. Please note we will have several
photographers and videographers on the road.
Be expressive – Mas is all about joy, confidence, and
expression. Don’t be shy, embrace the moment!
QUESTIONS?
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
If you’re unsure about anything, from choosing a costume to
what to wear underneath, it’s OK to ask. The Sesame Carnival
team is ready to guide you. Whether you’re a first-timer or
a returning Masquerader, we want you to feel welcome,
prepared, and part of the family.
Email:
masinfo@sesamecarnival.com
Visit us:
3510 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11203
YOU ARE OFFICIALLY READY
TO PLAY MAS
WITH SESAME
FLYERS INTERNATIONAL!
There’s nothing like the energy of Labor Day Carnival in
Brooklyn.
And there’s nothing like experiencing it from inside the
band, dancing, laughing, and celebrating with the Sesame
Flyers International family.
We can’t wait to have you on the road with us.
SEE YOU ON THE PARKWAY!
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