The streets of Brooklyn are about to burst with color, music and culture as thousands of masqueraders prepare for the annual West Indian Day Parade along Eastern Parkway.

But before the feathers rise and the music takes over, months of planning and creativity are already unfolding behind the scenes.

At Suga Candy Mas, the work starts long before Labor Day. Band leaders Maxine and Kyle Borneo are putting the finishing touches on this year's costume collection, themed 'Bejeweled.'

"When you think of the road, you think about gems and jewels and all kinds of diamonds and sparkly things," Maxine Borneo said. "So I just wanted to have a little fun and keep it a little girly this year."

The Brooklyn-based mas band is celebrating its 11th year participating in the West Indian Day Parade. What began with competing in carnival events across the country has evolved into bringing their own vision to one of the largest celebrations of Caribbean culture in the United States.

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Creating that vision takes time.

"It takes almost a year to prepare if we really want to put on a good show," Kyle Borneo said.

Maxine says the process starts with a concept, colors and a creative team that helps transform an idea into a parade-ready masterpiece.

"The designer, she's amazing. She's been doing this for so long. We give her the colors, we give her what we want to do," she said. "So we came up with different gems and diamonds that we want to represent."

Transforming raw materials into elaborate carnival costumes is only the beginning. For many masqueraders, the true experience starts when they step onto Eastern Parkway surrounded by thousands of revelers celebrating Caribbean heritage.

"My favorite part is the Parkway," Maxine said. "It's seeing the people on the road having the time of their lives, especially the newbies that never experienced it before."

And on parade day, Eastern Parkway becomes far more than a runway.

It transforms into a vibrant celebration of culture, unity and Caribbean pride, where music, costumes and community come together in one unforgettable display.