On a slightly overcast day in Toronto, the festival management committee presented the highly anticipated Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade. The parade featured about 12 bands, each with its unique theme, showcasing the rich and vibrant Caribbean culture. The parade kicked off with the Toronto Revellers, who entertained the audience with their energetic performance. They […]
The vibrant sounds of steel pan music echoed through the Canadian Exhibition Place on Friday night as the Ontario Steel Band Association presented their annual Pan Alive event. The celebration featured seven local steel bands, each performing the tune of their choice, captivating the audience with their musical prowess. Leading the charge was Wendy Jones […]
The King and Queen competition for the Toronto Caribbean Carnival dazzled attendees on Thursday at the Canadian Exhibition Place. As expected, the Caribbean community did not disappoint, showcasing an array of vibrant costumes that highlighted the richness of Caribbean culture. While official results from the Festival Management Committee (FMC) are still pending, it is known […]
By Roger Gibbs Photos by Dave Douglas Toronto’s East Town Banquet Hall in Scarborough was abuzz with excitement and anticipation at the climax of the 2024 KAISO 365 Calypso Monarch Finals which took place on Sunday, July 28. Held the weekend before the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade every year, this year an enthusiastic calypso […]
By Stephen Weir Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival festivities kicked off with a colourful celebration at the Blue Jays’ home game on Friday, July 26. This marked the third consecutive year that the team hosted a Caribbean-themed event at Rogers Centre. The evening began with a lively pregame ceremony featuring members of Epic Carnival Mas, who ran […]
By Lincoln DePradine They were all young – toddlers included. It was their show – the Junior Parade of the 2024 Toronto Caribbean Carnival in Malvern – and the adults, including parents and a slew of politicians, were spectators. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s attendance at last Saturday’s event coincided with an announcement of a pledge […]
by Kabrena Robinson Colourful feathers and jewels glisten under the warm Toronto sun. Jubilant sounds fill the air, transporting you to another place — the essence of the islands on Canadian soil. In the coming days, many will take to the streets to admire and indulge in the grand cultural spectacle that is the Toronto […]
By Stephen Weir Photos by Gilbert Medina If it wasn’t the largest annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival Junior Caribbean Parade, it must have been close. Organizers of the annual parade estimate that 20,000 people showed up in Malvern to cheer on the children. Eric Delfish, the longtime organizer of the parade, said it was perfect […]
By Lincoln DePradine Panorama, the competition held annually in Toronto to determine the top steel orchestra in Canada, will be hosted at a new venue this year, and will be missing a longtime member-band of the Ontario Steelpan Association (OSA). The contest, also referred to as “Pan Alive”, is moving from Lamport Stadium on King […]
By Stephen Weir The Queen of Soca, Destra, is coming to Toronto next week to perform. Don’t look for her on the Lakeshore or at any Carnival events (unless she makes a surprise appearance or two); the Trinidadian singer will be on stage, outdoors at Harbourfront on August 2nd. The Harbourfront Centre will once again […]
