It was in 1967 that the first Caribana festival was held to celebrate Caribbean culture in the city of Toronto. Now, 41 years later, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana) Festival attracts an estimated million participants annually.
Rooted in Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, it has become an international festival inclusive of Jamaican reggae, Brazilian samba or African djembe rhythms, alongside Latin salsa, Haitian zouk or urban sounds, all blended with calypso and soca vibes.
The festival highlight is the Caribana Parade on Aug. 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
An incredible display of colour and pageantry, the parade starts at Exhibition Place and proceeds west along Lake Shore Boulevard, ending around Colborne Lodge Drive. Lake Shore Boulevard, between Strachan Avenue and Colborne Lodge Drive will be closed for the duration of the parade.
New to the festival this year is De Caribana Lime - Island Festival on Sunday. It features a full day of performances from a variety of artistes, highlighting the diverse cultures of all Caribbean people. Activities include a food competition, song, dance, theatrical drama and storytelling. The Island Festival takes place on Olympic Island from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.