Mariette Simon can’t wait for summer. The X University master’s student is anticipating the return of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival this summer after it was cancelled in 2020 and re-imagined in a virtual format in 2021 due to COVID-19.
GTA residents are excited to have the festival back and see what’s in store.
Simon, 27, said she’s also excited to attend other summer events the city has missed during the pandemic.
“I am super excited for things to open up this summer,” she said. “Caribana is an important part of the culture that connects Caribbean people all together.”
Simon said she is looking forward to the music, food, people and all-around good vibes.
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival has attracted millions of people from around the world to Toronto since the first parade in 1967. The festival highlights grand costumes, dancing and music representing Caribbean and West Indian cultural traditions.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the parade and one of the themes is On the Road Again, and this year visitors can also look forward to a food and drink festival the day after the parade.
Laverne Garcia, chair of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, said all efforts are being made to prepare for a spectrum of situations and any health and safety protocols will be considered.
“Due to the parade being outdoors we have fewer concerns but are still taking the appropriate precautions. We will be having an official pace truck that will keep the pace of the parade on time,” she said.
Garcia said the parade will also follow a shorter route this year.
Celeste Kelly, a 26-year-old senior claims coordinator, said she has missed the festival as she attends almost every year.
“I think it’s good that the parade is coming back this year, we’ve lost two years of celebration, competition and community,” Kelly said. “A part of our Caribbean culture has been kind of dead here in the city so I’m happy it’s finally making a comeback.”
Her only concern is that she hopes the public respects the masqueraders who are part of the parade.
“There has always been an issue of people breaking through the barricades so I just hope that the public remains behind the barricades and enjoys the parade from the sidelines for the sake of the safety of the masqueraders and to create a better flow of the parade,” Kelly said.
Garcia said many people who aren’t familiar with the event may think this is just a party but it is far more than that. The festival is held on the first Saturday in August to commemorate the emancipation of slaves in Canada in 1863.
“The history behind the celebration represents freedom from slavery and is all about inclusion and diversity among the Black diaspora,” Garcia said.
Malaika Thompson, a 25-year-old actuarial analyst, sees the return of the festival as a sign that Ontario is returning to its pre-COVID state.
“Personally, I definitely plan on going this year,” Thompson said. “For me it’s as if we’re finally to our old normal. I’ve missed getting dressed in costume and jumping up at fetes and J’ouvert,” the first day of Carnival, she said.