The Toronto Caribbean Carnival, formerly known as Caribana, returns to Toronto to celebrate its 50th anniversary and brings with it five weeks of Caribbean music, cuisine and a stunning spectacle of visual and performing arts. There is no shortage of events happening across the city in celebration of the annual carnival – from art exhibits to dance fêtes.
Here are six events you can enjoy at this year’s festival.
Grande Parade
The carnival’s biggest draw, and a highlight of the carnival, is the Annual Grand Parade. The event draws thousands from all over the world and fills the streets of Toronto. The parade features masqueraders in colourful and striking costumes, made after months of preparation, and steel pan bands that make their way from Exhibition Place down Lake Shore Boulevard and back again.
Saturday, August 5, 2017, 8:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
King & Queen Showcase
The Kings, Queens and individuals of the Carnival bands unveil their elaborately themed costumes at the King & Queen Showcase at Lamport Stadium. The event showcases the work of the talented artists, designers and costume builders behind the carnival’s costumes. The Ontario Science Centre Innovation in Mas Award will be presented to the costume that demonstrates the best and most innovative use of materials and technology.
Thursday, August 3, 2017, 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The Art of Carnival
Take in some art at a group show featuring the colourful works of Caribbean artists. The featured artists include Kenrick Ayow, Rosslyn Berot-Burns, Daryl Chang, Georgia Fullerton, Ian P. Grant and Jennylynd James. The exhibit takes place at A Different Booklist Cultural Centre.
July 13 – August 9, 2017
What would the carnival be without a party? Check out these three sure-to-be-packed dance fêtes:
High Power Caribana
Manifesto’s monthly High Power party returns to the Mod Club in August for a Caribana-themed dance party. High Power’s two resident DJs, Nino Brown and Dre Ngozi, will be spinning as will be Ms. Nix from New York and Tasha Rozez. To make a great thing greater, advanced tickets are only $5.00 online. You can expect to hear Soca, Dance Hall, Afrobeats, Hip Hop, and Global House.
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Baregyal: Caribana
Baregyal celebrates this year’s festival with a celebration of all women of colour, in a party that’ll take over the Phoenix Concert Theatre. Local and international DJs, including Lissa Monet, Bambii, Ohso, DJ Shannon Supreme, Summer Knocks, and Paul Souljoyce, will all be spinning.
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Blockobana
Blackness Yes!, the team behind the popular Blockorama stage at Toronto’s Pride celebrations, bring Blockobana to the Toronto Caribbean Carnival weekend. The picnic party is taking place at Regent Park, where attendees are encouraged to bring along picnic items and beverages (non-alcoholic – as it is a public park, after all). DJs set to spin include Osunlade, Blackcat, Nik Red, Craig Dominic, DJ Prestige, Vaughan, Okaycharlie (from U for Change), and Carl Collins.
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Several more exciting events will be taking place over the Carnival weekend – including Soca or Die (hosted by Cardi B), Heat, and COZYCaribana.
