Soca superstar Machel Montano may have been dethroned in the 2025 Calypso Monarch competition, but his Road March contender “Pardy” held court at the senior Parade of the Bands at the Queen’s Park Savannah, Port of Spain, yesterday.

Arima “son of the soil” Bunji Garlin’s “Carry It” also prompted masqueraders to jump, prance and wine with vigour.

Offstage, Grenadian artiste Blaka Dan’s “Blessing” was another bonanza for masqueraders and spectators. Blaka Dan, who copped the Ultimate Soca Champion prize, has been riding a crest of popularity after spotting his ex-girlfriend with her “new man”, according to the theme of his song.