Toronto Caribbean Carnival Transforms Lake Shore Boulevard Into Vibrant Celebration of Caribbean Culture
The streets were filled with a riot of colors, feathers, and rhythmic dance moves as Toronto came alive on Saturday for the Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Grand Parade. Revellers decked out in extravagant costumes paraded down Lake Shore Boulevard, marking the culmination of a month-long celebration of Caribbean culture.
Mayor Olivia Chow joined in the festivities, leading the charge in a striking purple and pink feathered ensemble. “Every part of my body is moving,” Chow exclaimed as she danced alongside the vibrant crowd, embodying the spirit of the carnival.
With Toronto hosting the largest carnival in North America, organizers anticipated nearly a million attendees for the 57th annual event. The carnival not only serves as a lively spectacle but also commemorates emancipation and the end of slavery, a significant cultural aspect for many countries in the Americas and the Caribbean.
For participants like Amber Wilson, parading, known as playing mas, is a joyful experience that radiates pure happiness. Choosing a musical band to march with, participants have their outfits designed by the band, a process that Wilson describes as skilled and time-consuming but ultimately rewarding.
Karissa Singh, another participant with Saldenah Carnival, shared her dedication by waking up at the crack of dawn to don her costume. “It’s all worth it to come here on the stage and party with everybody we love,” Singh expressed, embodying the infectious energy of the carnival.
Faith Hilliman-Foster highlighted the importance of playing mas as a means to express her culture and engage with the vibrant Caribbean experience. Kadiaja McCalla echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the celebration of Caribbean culture through music, food, and elaborate costumes, creating a space where everyone, regardless of body type, is welcomed to partake in the festivities.
Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also graced the carnival with his presence, acknowledging its significance as a premier event for the city of Toronto. Singh commended the vibrant vibes and energy of the carnival, emphasizing its role as a time to celebrate and take up space in a culturally rich environment.
Reflecting on the carnival’s enduring legacy, Maurice Bygrave, a founding member, shared that what began as a one-off event in 1967 has now become a thriving annual festival that continues to draw crowds from around the world. “We brought the world to Toronto,” Bygrave reflected, underscoring the festival’s global appeal and lasting impact on the city
The streets were filled with a riot of colors, feathers, and rhythmic dance moves as Toronto came alive on Saturday for the Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Grand Parade. Revellers decked out in extravagant costumes paraded down Lake Shore Boulevard, marking the culmination of a month-long celebration of Caribbean culture.
Mayor Olivia Chow joined in the festivities, leading the charge in a striking purple and pink feathered ensemble. “Every part of my body is moving,” Chow exclaimed as she danced alongside the vibrant crowd, embodying the spirit of the carnival.
With Toronto hosting the largest carnival in North America, organizers anticipated nearly a million attendees for the 57th annual event. The carnival not only serves as a lively spectacle but also commemorates emancipation and the end of slavery, a significant cultural aspect for many countries in the Americas and the Caribbean.
For participants like Amber Wilson, parading, known as playing mas, is a joyful experience that radiates pure happiness. Choosing a musical band to march with, participants have their outfits designed by the band, a process that Wilson describes as skilled and time-consuming but ultimately rewarding.
Karissa Singh, another participant with Saldenah Carnival, shared her dedication by waking up at the crack of dawn to don her costume. “It’s all worth it to come here on the stage and party with everybody we love,” Singh expressed, embodying the infectious energy of the carnival.
Faith Hilliman-Foster highlighted the importance of playing mas as a means to express her culture and engage with the vibrant Caribbean experience. Kadiaja McCalla echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the celebration of Caribbean culture through music, food, and elaborate costumes, creating a space where everyone, regardless of body type, is welcomed to partake in the festivities.
Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also graced the carnival with his presence, acknowledging its significance as a premier event for the city of Toronto. Singh commended the vibrant vibes and energy of the carnival, emphasizing its role as a time to celebrate and take up space in a culturally rich environment.
Reflecting on the carnival’s enduring legacy, Maurice Bygrave, a founding member, shared that what began as a one-off event in 1967 has now become a thriving annual festival that continues to draw crowds from around the world. “We brought the world to Toronto,” Bygrave reflected, underscoring the festival’s global appeal and lasting impact on the city
