“Holiday Matsuri, also known as HolMat, is the festively themed Anime, Gaming, and Cosplay convention with Holiday Cheer!”
The annual Holiday Themed convention in Orlando combined the love for anime, joy of the season, and world class cosplay. The Holiday Twist crossed fandoms with details found throughout the event space including the gaming room, manga library, vendor room, artist alley, and special events.
Throughout the weekend jingle bells rang out across the convention floor with white fur flying through the air. There was never a dull moment with hundreds of hours of content across events, panels, gaming tournaments, photoshoot meetups, cosplay competitions, workshops, dance parties and so much more!
As a convention in mid-December, it was the perfect timing to check-off the holiday shopping list. Two huge rooms contained the vendor space and artist alley filled with art, plushies, clothing, manga, and local crafts. Also included in the rooms were the Cosplay Exhibit, Guest Autographs, Itasha Cars, and Makerspace. It was a pleasure exploring the craftsmanship and merchandise throughout this space.
The Holiday Runway Contest Crowns Its Winners
The Holiday Runway was a highlight of the weekend featuring Winter Themed Cosplay with multiple awards available to win and valuable prizes. Participants dominated the stage with spectacular designs integrating inspiring details. Each judge awarded a participant for their creative designs. Top favourites included Nutcracker Miku prancing on pointe across stage, Christmas Sailor Moon covered in red velvet lined with pearls, and Festive Addams Family.The “Best in Snow” Award recipient was the Naughty Grinch who “sleighed” the competition!
Through out the day, cosplayers connected during the Photoshoot Meetups. Fans shared their passion and picked up new ideas while posing with their OTP. An opportunity for developing skills was the Cosplay Academy Sponsored by Arda Wigs, Surebonder, Famore Cutlery, and Janome. Various classes throughout the weekend included EVA Foam Bootcamp, Advanced Wig Styling, Smocking Secrets, and Metal Paint Finishing Techniques.
Fate Games of the Grail
The Holy Grail was won during the Fourth Annual Fate Games of the Grail Carnival on Saturday evening hosted by Fantasy Needle Works Cosplay! Maguses from all over, legendary heroes, beginners and experienced, came to test their skills with challenging, interactive games, earn mana in exchange for obtaining prizes from Gilgamesh’s treasure, and chance their luck in winning the ultimate, golden prize: The Grail!
Inspiration for next year danced around in cosplayers heads as the weekend came to a close. The Orlando World Center Marriott was in the rear view mirror as the car pulled out of a coveted parking spot filled with holiday goodies.
