Toronto (August 2017) – I found myself walking along the Martin Goodman Trail without any pre-determined destination in mind. Upon seeing Lakeshore Boulevard closed off to traffic starting at the Colborne Lodge exit, it dawned on me that today was the Grand Parade; but where were the crowds of people, the music, the floats?  “Surely the parade must have started by now”, I said to myself.  I kept walking enjoying the sunshine along with others who must have thought the same as I did.  As we got closer to the CNE, the unmistakable sounds and vibrant colours of the Caribbean welcomed us to the festivities already under way having started at 8 a.m. and ended 12 hours later.

Colours of the Caribbean

This highly-anticipated event signals the culmination of a year-long preparation that draws people from far and wide to celebrate Caribbean culture.  Walking around and seeing everyone enjoying themselves, dancing, smiling, making new friends and reuniting with old friends, it was hard not to get caught up in the excitement (and to tap those toes, move to the rhythm or bust out a few fancy moves of your own).

Faces of the Caribbean

A bit of background info:

The Caribbean Carnival (formerly known as Caribana) has been a part of Toronto’s fabric for the past 50 years.  Initially, the parade began on Yonge St., then in 1970 moved to University Avenue, and by 1991 due its growth and popularity, the Canadian National Exhibition became the new starting point in order to accommodate the many large floats, bands, dancers and revellers along the 3.5 km route along Lakeshore Boulevard.  However, this year the route has changed (or at least for me it was a new revelation since the last time I went to the parade was about 15 years ago).  No longer do they walk down Lakeshore, but instead, all activities remain within and in and around the CNE grounds (Exhibition Place) which is more contained and compact making it much easier to access both the parade and the food booths. 

The Grand Parade

Pounding the pavement for several hours, dancing, gyrating, twerking, singing, chanting, and flag waving is exhausting.  Many participants had to stop to take a much-deserved rest (and check social media, of course).  Others headed straight to the food booths to refuel and rehydrate while others still on a high happily posed for selfies and group photos.

After the Parade