CRYSTAL LEVY, 26:  Tribal Knights

By Simona Siad

I play mas because: It’s about reuniting with everyone, enjoying their company and celebrating my Jamaican heritage.

On dressing up: I love the costumes the best. I search for bright colours and fancy hair adornments. The costumes help celebrate your body and your figure.

My beauty tip: Stay rested, hydrated and try to not drink alcohol the night before because it’s a long and hot day of dancing.

My favourite memory: As a woman of West Indian descent, participating in the parade allows me to embrace my culture, my curves and my body. That being said, my favourite Caribana parade moment was when I saw NBA players Shaq and Penny Hardaway on a truck one year!

Advice to other women: Find a costume that fits your personality. Choose a costume that fits you well, a colour that flatters you and a design that accentuates your best assets. A lot of bands have different costumes (one pieces, cover-ups) or ypu can make adjustments so that you feel comfortable in it.

When I play mas I feel: Great.