When: July 14th – August 2nd
The 44th annual Caribana Toronto Festival is gearing up for another great year with hundreds of Caribbean infused events, music and celebrations. The Caribana festival has grown considerably since its inauguration in 1967 when it was only a 3 day event put on by the Toronto Caribbean community to celebrate Canada’s Centennial year. Today, the now 3-week long event is the largest cultural festival in North America. People come from all around the world to celebrate Caribbean culture.
Hundreds of thousands of tourists come to Toronto in July to experience the international phenomenon of Caribana. Based on Trinidad Carnival, the festival is a perfect expression of Toronto’s multiculturalism. The city comes alive with the sound of island music echoing through the streets. A cultural explosion takes over the entire downtown area. The festival attracts people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. There are over 150 cultures showcased and more than 75 countries represented.
The main event and highlight of Caribana is the Parade itself, held in the final days of the festival. Participants spend months preparing elaborate costumes and decorative floats to display. The 3.6km parade route is one of the longest in North America. Thousands of masquerades dance their way through the streets to beats from live soca, calypso, steel pan, reggae and salsa artists playing all day long.
Caribana is launching a new event this year on August 1st – the “Tropical Rhythms” Food Festival. The purpose of the event is to give visitors a taste of Caribbean culture by showcasing Caribbean cuisine. The festival is a one day event taking place inside Ontario Place. There will be lots of fun activities and entertainment for the entire family. Enjoy live music and dance performed on stage all day long. Hit one of the many food pavilions and indulge in some exotic Caribbean cuisine. Browse the Marketplace for beautiful garments and souvenirs. Strike up a conversation with a representative from the Islands and start planning your next vacation to the Caribbean.
Don’t tire yourself out during the day because the party continues well into the night. Check out North America’s top DJ’s as they drop the hottest beats at exclusive events and parties all over the city. Toronto nightclubs play host to some of the most memorable events during the Caribana festival. Hit up one of the many parties and dance until the morning comes. Feel da vibe.
