ECNETNews, Toronto, ON, August 5, 2024: On Saturday, August 3rd, Lake Shore Boulevard transformed into a vibrant showcase of Caribbean culture as Toronto hosted the Grand Parade of its annual Caribbean Carnival. This exhilarating event marked the culmination of a month-long celebration honoring Caribbean heritage.
Mayor Olivia Chow officially launched the parade, joining in the festivities while donning a stunning purple and pink feathered costume. “Every part of my body is moving,” Chow exclaimed from the parade sidelines, embodying the spirit of the occasion.
The 57th annual Grand Parade drew enthusiastic crowds to Lake Shore Boulevard, celebrating not only Caribbean culture but also the significance of emancipation and the end of slavery. As North America’s largest Caribbean carnival, the event attracted nearly a million attendees this year.
Amber Wilson, a long-time participant, described the experience of playing mas in the parade as “pure happiness.” She shared insights into the elaborate costume creation process, highlighting the skilled effort involved. This year, she paraded with Saldenah Carnival, one of the city’s prominent bands.
Karissa Singh, another member of Saldenah, mentioned her early preparations at 5:30 a.m., emphasizing the joy of celebrating alongside loved ones. “It feels like it’s all worth it to come here on the stage and party with everybody we love,” she said.
Faith Hilliman-Foster spoke about the deep cultural significance of participating in mas and expressing her heritage through the city. Kadiaja McCalla, who paraded alongside Hilliman-Foster, celebrated the inclusive nature of the event, stating, “Regardless of body type, everyone is encouraged to participate. In our culture, we celebrate you anywhere.”
Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh attended the Grand Parade, praising the event as a major highlight for Toronto. “This is one of the premier events for the City of Toronto,” he noted, appreciating the lively atmosphere and diverse crowd.
Tracing its origins back to 1967, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival began as a one-off event organized by Maurice Bygrave and his team. Its overwhelming success led to its establishment as an annual festival at the urging of then-Mayor William Dennison.
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival remains a vibrant celebration of culture, unity, and community spirit, bringing the Caribbean experience to the forefront of Toronto’s cultural landscape.
