Thousands of musicians, dancers and costumes made filled on Saturday by Lakeshore Boulevard for the Grande of the Annual Carnival of Toronto Caribbean.
The parade is the highlight of the one -week festival, which organizes some more events this month.
“This is culture,” said Autris Clarke, who grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, where he celebrated Carnival every year.
“It’s just a part of who I am.”
Previously known as Caribana, the festival began in 1967, according to its website. The festival says it attracts millions of participants and spectators.
Carnival also marks emancipation, the end of slavery. Several countries of the Americas and the Caribbean islands celebrate the festival every year.
The festival is about freedom, said Elton McDuffus.
“It means everything to leave and celebrate the Caribbean culture,” he said.
Participating in the parade is known as interpreting more. The festival held a Junior Carnival parade in Scarborough in mid -July for masquered young people.
On Sunday, the festival will be the host of PAN in d’Art, with performances by Community Steelbands in Neilson Park in Scarborough. The event is presented by the Steelpan Ontario Association.
Participants come from everywhere
There were several people who came from the USA. To participate in the Caribbean Carnival of the Caribbean of Toronto.
Monique Veney traveled from Baltimore, Maryland. She said she has played more in other countries and cities before, but this is the first time she does it in the city.
Veney said he took about three hours to dress.
“All this is a job,” he said. “It takes a long time but it is worth it.”
Diashun Melbert, who is from Louisiana, has traveled to Toronto for the Festival five times.
“[I love] Being close to people who look like me who just want to have fun. We can do what we want to do as we want to do it, “he said.
“I will never miss another carnival.”
Road closures
The road closures for the parade take effect on Saturday at 12 am and continue until Sunday at 7 am, including:
- Lake Shore Boulevard W. From Fort York Boulevard to Colborne Lodge Drive.
- Lake Shore Boulevard W., west between Bathurst Street and Fort York Boulevard, is open only to local traffic.
- Strachan Avenue to the south from Fleet Street.
A complete list of road closures is available here.
