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Masquerader Monday - 25.03.19 | Catherine





Brief biography (profession, hobbies, passions, etc.): *
I work in the health care industry, I’m around a lot of sick people so it helps me realize that if I am healthy and alive, my size doesn’t matter! This is why carnival has become a passion for me, soca music and carnival is all about good times and good vibes, that’s what I’m all about !
How and when did you first start playing mas? *
I first played Mas in a costume in 2016, and since then Carnival can’t miss me! It has become a hobby to travel the world celebrating my culture. I can’t get enough of de road!
What carnival experience has been your favourite (and most proud) to date? *
Bahamas Carnival 2018, it was my first time playing Mas outside my home country. Now I wanna travel all over the Caribbean and experience Mas
What are some of your must-have carnival essentials?
Fanny pack, portable charger, cow bell or whistle for making noise!!
Describe your perfect mas experience:
A band that is organized and delivers is the perfect experience! Nothing ruins the mood more than a band that messes up your costume.
What would you like to tell people about mas, that they may not know?
Don’t wait for friends to jump, just do it. De road is always full a vibe and with so much people, you never really alone !
Your City: *
Cayman Islands
Would you change anything about playing mas in your city?
Soca is so diverse, I wanna hear more basement, zouk, jab jab on de road!
If you could play mas with one soca artist, who would it be, and why?
Alison Hinds! I’ve been a fan of hers since square one. She is the Soca Queen, I just love her vibes.
Do you think there is currently an unspoken age or size limit on playing mas? 
No. I will be playing Mas till I’m old and grey and I’m gonna have my babies out there in their cute little costumes!
Do you have a message of encouragement for the #everyBODYplayahmas network? *
If Mas is what you love, don’t let nothing stop you from doing it!
Tell us about your journey to becoming a confident woman:
It’s been a long, bumpy ride, with many ups and downs. The journey hasn’t ended but I am definitely more in love with myself now than before I started going to Carnival! There is something that feels so free about playing Mas as a bigger woman because you receive a lot of encouragement from spectators and Mas players alike so you realize there people that will love you and those that will hate you, only one of those matter!
Do you have any mentors/role models who have inspired you along the way?
Too many to name, I’ve had all types of women encourage me and inspire me to just be me regardless of my size. Women that are constantly encouraging me to embrace myself, who love me and show me that I should love me too.
How do you think movements like #everyBODYplayahmas assist masqueraders?
It helps women like me know we are loved! And we are not alone, I hope someone gains a confidence boost from my experience just as I did from someone else. It’s a movement that is showing you nothing is wrong with you just be your beautiful self.
Please list any contact details you would like added to the post (ex. Blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, SnapChat, Pinterest, etc) *
Instagram: @_champagnecathy YouTube: Catherine Ebanks (Cathy Vlogs)
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Location: Cayman Islands

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