When you open a mas band registration page for the first time, you are immediately faced with choices: Standard, Medium, Premium, Frontline, Ultra Frontline. Prices vary dramatically — sometimes doubling or tripling between the most basic and most elaborate options.
Here is what all of it actually means.
What Is a Section?
Every mas band is divided into sections — groups of masqueraders who wear the same costume design and move together on the road. A band might have 10, 20 or even 30 different sections, each with its own name, colour palette and costume design.
When you register, you choose:
- Which section — the design you want to wear
- Which level within that section — how elaborate your costume is
Both decisions affect your experience and your price.
The Costume Levels Explained
Standard
The entry-level costume in any section. Standard costumes are typically less elaborate — a shorter bikini-style base, fewer or smaller feathers and accessories, and fewer extras included in the package.
Standard is not a bad choice. It is the most comfortable option in hot weather, the most affordable, and you are still wearing a genuine carnival costume and parading with your band. Many veterans choose standard specifically because they want to move freely and stay cool.
Who it suits: First-timers on a budget, people who prioritise comfort, those who find elaborate costumes uncomfortable in the heat.
Medium
A step up from standard — more elaborate headpiece, more accessories, more detail in the costume. Medium sections often include a more fully featured bikini costume with additional embellishments.
Who it suits: People who want a more complete-looking costume without paying premium prices. A solid middle-ground choice.
Premium / Super Premium
Premium and super premium sections offer the most complete bikini costumes — full-feather backpacks, elaborate headpieces, more jewellery and accessories. These are the costumes you see in the best carnival photography.
Price: Significantly more than standard — often 1.5x–2x the base price.
Who it suits: People who want the full visual impact of carnival mas and are happy to pay for it. Also the right choice if you are planning a photoshoot or want the most complete experience.
Frontline / Ultra Frontline
Frontline is the most elaborate level in any section. Frontline masqueraders wear the most dramatic, fully-designed costumes — the largest backpacks, the most detailed headpieces, the most accessories. They lead the section on the road.
Ultra Frontline (offered by some bands) takes this even further — sometimes including custom elements, VIP treatment and additional perks.
Price: Frontline is typically the most expensive option — sometimes 2x–3x the standard price. Expect to pay £500–£900+ for frontline sections at top-tier Trinidad bands.
Who it suits: Experienced masqueraders who want the most dramatic costume, those who want to be at the front of the section, and people who plan to document their experience extensively.
What Is Included?
Regardless of level, most mid-to-premium mas band registrations include:
- Your costume (collected from band headquarters before Road March)
- Access to the band's truck and drink service on Road March days
- Drinks on the road (most major bands offer an open bar on their truck)
- Band security and management
Some bands additionally include:
- Breakfast on Road March morning
- Access to band fetes during the week
- Costumes for both Monday and Tuesday
Always check what is included before registering — it varies significantly by band and section.
Tips for Choosing Your Section
Browse all section images before registration opens — do this in advance, not on the day. Registration for popular bands (Tribe, YUMA) closes within minutes. You need to know what you want before you click.
Consider your body temperature — more elaborate costumes mean more fabric and structure. In 30°C+ Caribbean heat, a standard costume can be a relief.
Look at the full set, not just the preview image — bands publish full section lookbooks. Look at the headpiece, the backpack, the shoes, the accessories as a complete look.
Standard is not a compromise — some of the best Road March experiences happen in standard sections. Do not spend money you do not have on an upgrade that will not change your enjoyment.
Check the refund policy — if your circumstances change, can you transfer or refund your registration? Policies vary by band and it matters.
Ready to register? The Trinidad island guide has direct links to all major mas band registration pages with key dates for 2027.