Welcome to Mas Hysteria

Welcome to the premiere issue of Mas Hysteria e-newsletter. Do you love Playing Mas and attending Carnivals around the world? Do you love being a spectator, watching the beautiful costumes and hearing the hypnotic Carnival music? Are you interested in learning more about the Caribbean Carnival culture? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then this e-newsletter is especially for you!

This new and exciting e-newsletter is brought to you by my company, Carnival Essence, LLC, which specializes in producing Carnival dolls and masks. Check out www.carnivalessence.com. Mas Hysteria will always be filled with beautiful photos, delicious recipes, and must-read articles.

Many Carnivals have already taken place or will take place during this quarter, but in this issue we are mainly highlighting the annual Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. I also want to acknowledge that Haiti’s Kanaval would have also occurred in February, but unfortunately could not take place due to the devastating earthquake. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected by Haiti’s earthquake. This year, Carnival Essence, LLC will take 10% of Haitian Carnival mask sales from www.carnivalessence.com, and donate it to the Red Cross for Haiti’s relief efforts.

I started Mas Hysteria because I know there are many people out there like myself who can’t seem to get enough of that feeling you get on Carnival day. It’s a feeling of joy, excitement, and totally living in the present. And when we can’t attend a Carnival, we tend to develop “Mas Fever” (see article “Mas Fever Explained”). So this quarterly e-newsletter will keep you connected to the Carnival culture every season.

I’d like to give a special thanks to those who contributed to Mas Hysteria, and those who have helped me throughout my endeavors and continue to believe in me and my dreams. And thanks to all of you readers for your support. I know you will enjoy Mas Hysteria, and I hope you share it with your friends and family.

And remember, as on Carnival Day, live everyday in the present and cherish each moment.

Peace and Love,

Shakellia Augustine
Editor-in-Chief