Toronto Carnival

BY ONEIKA RAYMOND

In a little under 25 days, I’ll dress up like this:

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So that I can participate in this:

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Yes, I’ll be participating in Toronto’s Caribana carnival this year! For those of you who don’t know, every summer, since 1976, Toronto has a festival that celebrates Caribbean culture.

There are are host of events that take place over a two week period, which culminate in the Caribana Parade that is held the last Saturday of July.

The concept of dressing up and shaking one’s moneymaker in the street is very similar to Brazil and Trindad’s carnivals.

While I’ve never had a bucket list, per se, I’ve always known that I wanted to participate in at least one carnival before I die.

Unfortunately, the last few summers I been abroad and thus haven’t been able to participate, but this summer I realized that I would be able to do it.

And so I jumped at the opportunity.

About 10 friends and I will be dressing up and taking part in the parade and I am so excited!

Can’t wait!

SHARING IS CARING

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16 Comments

  • Nice! My bucket list includes participating in Antigua's carnival, which is in the summer time. Be sure to post about this! 🙂

  • I won't be "jumping up" but I will be there supporting friends so I might see you.

  • That's awesome! I love the pic "wit mi GUYANESE FLAG!" I know you will have a blast. I hope to attend Caribana one day soon. Have fun for me!!!

  • I AM SO JEALOUS! I was going to play mas this year too but I'm saving for travel and what not. I'm definitely going to keep an eye out for you! 😀

  • I would totally come to toronto just for that! My dad side is African American but my Mother's side is Jamaican!

    Do you make your own costumes or do you but them?

  • Never been to the the Toronto Carnival, but been numerous times to the London one and it's FUUUUUUNNNNNN!!!. The food, people, music. All the Brits converging on London. The tube full to capacity. I so miss the spicy food, although eat tons of Indian and Thai food here to compensate(rather similar actually!). But I could sure do with a roti(vegetable).
    Enjoy and post lots of pics for us Caribbean folk across the pond on the mainland……

  • PIIIIICTURESSSSS!!!

    That is SO awesome. I can't wait to see you in your fabulous costume!

    And yeah…this one definitely calls for a dancing video Oneika 🙂

  • That's sooo awesome. you better post pictures young lady.

  • Love love love Caribana!! Did not dress up but those costumes are certainly inspiring!!! Go ahead and shake your tail feather girl!

  • @Terri: You betcha!

    @emahlee and @Rhona: If you do, make sure to say hi, please!!

    @kvowel: Some of my very good friends are Guyanese! West Indian massive! Loves it! Where do you live currently?

    @Nicki: You MUST say hi! But yeah, I didn't realize that playing mas was so expensive!

    @liveletlive: You should come! Sadly, we don't make the costumes, they sell them and you have to sign up (and they are quite expensive)! But it's all about the experience!

    @Foosrock!: Will do, lady! Yes, I've heard that the Notting Hill carnival is the business! Hopefully I'll be able to experience it next year 🙂

    @Mamacita: YOU READ MY MIND! LOL!

    @Deidre: I most certainly will be!

    @Opalblossoms: Lots of tailfeather shaking on the agenda for sure!! LOL

  • Carnival in the Caribbean is the real deal. You should really add Trinidad Carnival to your to do list if you really want to experience carnival. It’s expensive but well worth it.

    Jamaica Carnival is also a good cheaper alternative. It’s not as extraordinary as Trinidad but it has been growing quickly over the few years.

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