The countdown to this year's West Indian American Day parade is on.

Lively music, dancing and good food are just a few elements to the West Indian American parade—but one that stands out every year is the costumes.

"Making the costumes is also therapeutic,” said Maxine Magdaleno-Borneo, Suga Candy band leader. “I go in the zone and I just start cutting, sticking glue and it sounds crazy but I start planning for next year."

Magdaleno-Borneo started the Suga Candy Mas band in 2015, after years of participating in carnival herself.

Her goal is to spread that same pride and vibrancy with the masqueraders she now leads.

"I used to put on the biggest costumes, and I would compete in Boston,” said Magdaleno-Borneo. “Washington, Delaware, you name it. All over the states. So I have loved it since I was nine."

About 200 people will be flaunting their costumes with Suga Candy Mas on the parkway. This year's theme is Genesis.

"Genesis is the first chapter in the Bible,” said Borneo. “I just wanted to run it back and make it feel like the beginning, and it's a celebration."

"Every year we try to improve on something, said Kyle Borneo, co-band leader. “So, I think this year is going to be pure vibes. One of our best years."

The intricate designs — full of jewels, gems, feathers and bold colors — are all part of a nine-month process, put together from scratch by just three designers.

But the smiles on their faces afterwards make it all worth it.

"Brooklyn is a melting pot of so many different people,” said Magdaleno-Borneo. “So many different cultures. So to celebrate with your people from all different nations is a very, very liberating, jovial feeling."