Toronto Caribbean & Caribana Carnival is back. Here’s your guide to weekend’s festivities


Toronto gets ready to party as Caribbean/Caribana Carnival makes a comeback, after two years of pandemic-related cancellation. The  Organizers kicked off their month-long programming with an all-day party. 
  

“There are very few events we have that are so big, and that bring everybody in Toronto together, let alone all the visitors who come,” said Mayor Tory to the Star. 


The festivals and other related events aim at building back up that sense of community, celebrating each other. It's Canada’s biggest Caribbean festival and is an epic show of island pride. Whether you’re going out with friends, family, or at a party, there will be something fun for everyone to enjoy.



Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival enters its 55th year with masquerade parades, and will officially kick off with month-long series of events. At Exhibition Place, there is seating for viewing the parade. The grounds also offer live music, street food highlighting Caribbean cuisine and a beer garden.  The month's programming will showcase an all-day party at Nathan Phillips Square with dancers showcasing their costumes as DJs and steel pan musicians perform.


“because there’s nothing like the Caribbean Carnival that allows us to celebrate the things that other people brought to this country. That’s the essence of what we’re all about here.”

Tickets and more information are available online at torontocarnival.ca



What to see & Where to party at Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival 


Kiddies For Mas


kids in exciting costumes and the debut of the junior royals.


12-and-under show off colourful costumes in the hopes of being crowned. The children’s parade is a week later.

King and Queen Showcase


Male and female competitors are judged on the detail of their costumes, their creativity and how their costume represents the Carnival theme. At the end of the night, the King and Queen are crowned. They will lead the Mas band in the Grand Parade on Saturday.


Grand Parade


This is the magical main event. Place  fill with more than 10,000 masqueraders in vivacious costumes, drumming, DJs and dancing. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. along Toronto’s waterfront, you can enjoy Caribbean foods, delicious drinks and stages hosting more live musical performances.


Pan Alive Steel Pan Showcase


The musical tradition of Steel pan is associated with the islands, particularly Trinidad and Tobago. These pans, initially created from oil drums, dustbin lids and frying pans, represent a resistance against colonial powers that attempted to restrict aspects of the island’s Carnival celebration in the early 20th century. This week-end the Ontario Steel Pan Association will host a night filled with live performances that showcase the instrument’s many rhythms.


Where to party


Little Jamaica


Designated an Ontario Heritage Site, last year, which means that many of the stores, restaurants and businesses will get support to help curb the effects of gentrification and the pandemic.


Daylit at Cabana Pool Bar. 


Elite on the water at Empress of Canada


Toronto Caribana Boat Party at Queens Quay


Party with basketball legends 


On Friday, American basketball superstar LeBron James is kicking off Carnival weekend hosting the sixth annual DAYLIGHT party at Lavelle’s rooftop pool and lounge bar. 


Drake’s “Road to OVO Fest Tour”


Drake is putting on shows featuring various hip hop and R&B artists in Toronto all weekend as a part of his “October World Weekend Road to OVO Fest Tour.” On Friday, see Chris Brown and Lil Baby perform at Budweiser Stage.


Argonauts Caribbean Carnival Night


 BMO Field will be decked out in colourful Carnival decorations for Caribbean Carnival Night.


Island Soul


Bringing island vibes, music and family-friendly events to the Harbourfront Centre, Island Soul has something in store for everybody. Most of the events are free and run Friday through Mondayàà


Bob Marley One Love Experience


In sync with Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival season this month, “Bob Marley One Love Experience” is open at the Lighthouse ArtSpace in Toronto. The show features six rooms that showcase art, music, photos, memorabilia and immersive displays at bobmarleyexp.com


Images courtesy:
Parade participants perform during the Grand Parade at the Caribbean Carnival in Toronto on Saturday, August 5, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov

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