Scotiabank Caribana 2010

2010 CARIBANA Parade of the Bands Order

2010-05-31T12:13:00.002-04:00

Toronto, ON, Canada, May 29, 2010
2010 CARIBANA Parade of the Bands order announced

The Toronto Mas Bands Association met earlier today to draw for the official order of appearance at the 2010 Scotiabank CARIBANA parade of the bands.

Toronto Revellers will lead off the pack followed by the other 13 Mas bands. (full order listed below).

The parade takes place on Saturday July 31st starting at 10am, from the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and proceeds along Lakeshore Blvd till 6pm in downtown Toronto.

Here is the official order of appearance of the 2010 competing masquerade bands:
1. Toronto Revellers
2. Mas Toronto
3. Saldenah Mas-K Club
4. Tribal Knights
5. Callaloo
6. Carnival Nationz
7. Connections
8. Black Sage
9. Mas Players Int'l
10. Fantazia Int'l
11. Pleasure Players
12. Guycan
13. Tru Dynasty Carnival
14. Genesis Carnival

Caribana has HUGE economic impact

2010-04-27T07:48:00.002-04:00

Caribana is a festival of millions.

Each year, Toronto’s biggest street celebration draws more than one million revelers to the city. And those million festival-goers spend millions of dollars on bottled water, taxi rides, hotel rooms, rotis and souvenirs, boosting the local and provincial economy.

A study, released Tuesday, calculates Caribana’s total economic impact to be $438 million.

The analysis, the most comprehensive look at the festival to date, confirms Caribana has a tremendous economic impact on Toronto, the GTA and Ontario, said study co-author Gervan Fearon, professor of economics at Ryerson University.

The annual celebration of Caribbean culture, now in its 42nd year, creates the equivalent of 6,800 jobs, with 83 per cent in the Toronto area, the study found. The analysis also showed Torontonians spent an average of $327 at the festival, while visitors from outside Canada spent an average of $901.

The more than $400 million in spending at the festival is spread among a wide range of economic sectors, with restaurants and bars topping the list, Fearon said. The report found revelers spent more than $109 million at restaurants and bars, $101 million on accommodation, $64 million on recreation and entertainment, $62 million on clothing and $33 million on transportation.

“People come for the festival, but go out to other venues and take part in other activities,” Fearon said. “The reach is quite significant.”

The economic impact of Caribana exceeds other Toronto festivals, including Pride Week. A 2006 economic impact study of Pride Week found the annual festival pumps $99 million into the regional economy and draws about 436,000 people whose spending supports 648 jobs in Toronto and 161 jobs in other parts of the province.

The TD Canada Trust Toronto Jazz Festival claims a $21 million economic spinoff based on attendance of 500,000. And organizers of the Toronto International Film Festival estimate TIFF has a $135 million economic impact on the city.

Organizers of Scotiabank Caribana commissioned the 2009 Economic Impact Study, which was conducted by Fearon and Carlyle Farrell, a professor at Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School of Management. The Star is the official newspaper of Scotiabank Caribana.

The study found Caribana generated $198 million in tax revenues in 2009. That same year, the labour income generated by the festival exceeded $260 million.

Band Launches are getting ready for the people...

2010-03-17T10:15:00.008-04:00

The Band Launch Season has started my friends. Here are some of the activities happening starting next month.

The costumes will be displayed and the themes for the upcoming season will highlighted.

The parties should be as they say... "hot with very spicy biscuits "

Tribal Knights
"HOLLYWOOD: Glitz and Glamour"
April 10th, 2010 @ the Grand Luxe
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Carnival Nationz
"Sparrow.....D'Legend"
May 1, 2010 @ the Sound Academy

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Saldenah Mas K Club
"Portraits"
May 8, 2010 @ Embers Banquet Hall

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Toronto Revellers
"Disco Fever......The Second Time Around"
May 8, 2010 @ Everest Banquet Hall
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Callaloo
"Halloween"
May 15, 2010 @ Everest Banquet Hall

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TruDynasty
"Fever - What Makes You HOT"
May 15, 2010 @ Embers Banquet Hall

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Black Sage (formerly Nip Davis & SCSC)
"Kopy Kat"
Date: TBA

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Fantazia International
"Fashion Runway"
Date: TBA

2010 Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario Revealed

2010-03-08T11:52:00.004-05:00

March 7, 2010 (Woodstock, Ontario) – Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) announced the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario last night as part of the Association’s President’s Gala, a celebratory conclusion to its annual conference.

Sponsored by VIA Rail Canada, The Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario designation is presented to a select few of more than 2,000 that occur annually within the province.

Among the winners were household names like the Scotiabank Caribana Festival, Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest and Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest. It also featured many smaller, festivals such as the Lanark Highlands Art of Being Green Festival, the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival and the Rideau Canal Festival. In conjunction with the Top 100, FEO also announced its 2010 Achievement Award winners. Achievement Awards acknowledge individual festival and event excellence and best practices across a broad range of categories.

The President''s Gala is a follow up to a Welcome Reception that was held on Wednesday night. The Honourable Mr. Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture was in attendance to welcome guests and announce the 2010 Festivals and Events of Distinction. This year''s inductees were Rogers Bayfest and the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival.

“Solicitations for submissions were issued towards the end of the previous calendar year, and an independent jury of industry peers conducted the selection process just prior to the Conference,” explains the Association’s Executive Director, Gary Masters.

According to the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, 93% of recreational travelers are seeking cultural and entertainment experiences, such as festivals and events, when they plan a vacation. Over the past two years, approximately 2,000,000 people who visited a festival or event say it was the primary reason for their vacation.

“With so many options for the festival-goers here in Ontario, it can be hard to know which festivals and events offer the most rewarding experiences. As the provincial Association for this industry, we believe it is our responsibility to set these standards and present the results to our consumers in an easily accessible and recognizable brand,” states FEO’s President, Sarah Wood.

The winners of this year’s Top 100 will be highlighted in the annual Festivals and Events in Ontario Guide distributed in both a printed and online format. A list of the 2010 winners can be found on the Association’s website, www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca.

Scotiabank Caribana performers on CTV Canada AM

2010-02-16T19:58:00.005-05:00

Eleven performers from Toronto appeared on the Ontario Pavillion stage for the last time today at the Olympics in Vancouver. However, the show is not over just yet! CTV's Canada AM breakfast show has asked the performers to return to the Pavillion on Wednesday February 15th to do it one more time for their television viewers. The Canada AM segment begins tomorrow at 8.30 Pacific Time.

Audiences in Vancouver are experiencing some of the exciting entertainment that make the 3-week Scotiabank Festival Canada’s biggest tourist draw -- next to the Olympics.

This year Scotiabank kicks off Tuesday July 13th at the Yonge Dundas Square. The parade will be held along Toronto’s waterfront on July 31st. The festival ends on Sunday August 1st with the DeScotiabank Caribana Lime at Ontario Place.

VANCOUVER TEAM
Ontario Pavilion “CARIBANA”
1. Denise Hererra-Jackson ---- Festival Director
2. Roborta Atkinson ---- Manager
3. Martin Scott-Pascall ---- Artistic Director/Choreographer
4. Tara Eulith Woods ---- Calypsonian
5. Hameed Shaqq ---- Pannist
6. Denise Chang Kit ---- Masquerader/Dancer
7. Lysha DeFreitas ---- Masquerader/Dancer
8. Danielle Edwards ---- Masquerader/Dancer
9. Danielle Ramjattan ---- Masquerader/Dancer
10. Nicki Ramjass ---- Masquerader/Dancer
11. Catrina Ziesman ---- Masquerader/Dancer
12. Sakita Boodhoo ---- Masquerader/Dancer
13. Christiane Tetreault ---- Masquerader/Dancer

(courtesy of Stephen Weir)
For more information see www.caribanafestival.com

2010 Winter Games - About to Feel The Vibe

2010-02-12T08:29:00.004-05:00

As if it wasn't hot enough at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games! Today Scotiabank Caribana announced that an all-star cast of Mas Players and world renowned Calypsonian and Pannist will be performing for 3 days at Ontario House, located at 50 Pacific Boulevard at the Concord Place Community Celebration Zone.

Ontario House will showcase the province's tourism, technological, cultural and culinary success stories. As the largest summer festival in the province and the cultural jewel of the country, Scotiabank Caribana will be featured in multimedia presentations at Ontario House, as well as three - one hour performances, one each on February 14th, 15th and 16th.

"We expect over 90,000 people to experience a little bit of Scotiabank Caribana at Ontario House," explained Festival CEO Joe Halstead. " Our performers are energized and Vancouver is really going to feel our vibe!!!"

The intent of Scotiabank Caribana's participation is to help promote the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario as a premier tourist destination to visit and do business. It will take the form of a 13-member team showcasing the various carnival arts; Mas', Calypso and Steel Pan.

Located in between BC Place Stadium and Sochi House (Science World), Ontario House offers visitors a unique, one-of-a-kind, experience that will live on in their memories for years to come and reinforce Ontario's tourism brand message - "There's No Place Like This..." Ontario House will feature the best Ontario has to offer from a tourism perspective, featuring nightly concerts, culinary experiences, film, technology, the arts and a jaw dropping Scotiabank Caribana performance!

Audiences in Vancouver will get to experience some of the exciting entertainment that makes the 2-week Scotiabank Caribana Festival, Canada's biggest tourist draw -- next to the 2010 Winter Games. This year Scotiabank Caribana is set to kick off Tuesday July 13th at the Yonge Dundas Square. The parade will be held along Toronto's waterfront on July 31st. The festival ends on Sunday August 1st with the DeScotiabank Caribana Lime at Ontario Place.

Even after the Scotiabank Caribana performers have left Vancouver, visitors to the Olympics will see breathtaking images from the annual Toronto festival. Last summer the Canadian Tourism Commission, in association with the Canada's Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium, sent a film crew right onto the Scotiabank Caribana parade route and shot high definition footage to be used in a video postcard about the Festival.

The Caribana video postcard (one of two dozen made for the Olympics) has been reproduced into four lengths (2.5 minutes, 1 minute, 30 seconds, and 15 seconds), dubbed into several languages, and provided to over 200 official (add - 2010) Olympic Games' broadcasters around the world to be seem by a potential cumulative audience of over 10 billion people.

The Scotiabank Caribana Festival is an exciting two-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, revelry as well as visual and performing arts.

Now in its 43rd year, it has become a major international event and the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America. As Scotiabank Caribana is an international cultural phenomenon, the great metropolis of Toronto and its environs will come alive as the city explodes with the pulsating rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Chutney, and Steel Pan music.

The Festival Management Committee oversees the running of North America's largest outdoor festival. www.caribanafestival.com

Scotiabank Caribana 2010 Official Events

2010-02-01T23:11:00.012-05:00

____________________________________________________________

The current schedule does not include any new events but that could change in the coming months.

SCOTIABANK CARIBANA™ 2010 OFFICIAL EVENTS

Calypso Tents Music Series
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays from June 5 - July 4, 2010; 8:00 pm - Midnight
This is an exciting annual showcase of Canada's best Calypso and Soca original music for the Caribana Festival. The series runs three nights each week (Friday Sunday) at various venues in Toronto, each night featuring a different cast of singers and 'live' bands performing Calypso in its best storytelling tradition: social and political commentary, humor and wit.

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Official Launch
Young & Dundas Square
Tuesday July 13, 2010; Noon - 2:00 pm
This official ceremony launches the activities for the 2010 Caribana Festival Season. Patrons can meet and mingle with Federal, Provincial and Municipal officials, Caribana representatives and sponsors while sampling Caribbean and international cuisine. It is a snapshot of what's in store over the coming weeks.

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Junior Carnival
Shoreham Drive | Yorkgate Mall
Saturday, July 17, 2010; 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Junior Carnival provides festival-goers and the surrounding community the opportunity to experience the thrills and joys as young masqueraders participate in their early festival years.

Art Exhibition
Royal Ontario Museum
Thursday July 22 – Monday Aug 2, 2010; Noon - 9:00 pm
The Association of African Canadian Artists presents original paintings and sculptures that have been influenced by the diversity of our people.

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Caribana Gala
Liberty Grand – Exhibition Place
Friday July 23, 2010; 6:30 pm – 1:00 am
An elegant evening of style and glamour, celebrating Carnival Music and Arts

Kaiso 365 (Calypso Monarch Finals)
Venue TBA
Saturday July 24 - 7pm - Midnight
This is where the Calypso Monarch is crowned. Come and see the best and biggest Canadian Calypsonians battle for the crown. From the topical to the lyrical, the sweet soca rhythms will lift you out of your seat and get you moving.

King & Queen Show
Lamport Stadium
Thursday July 29, 2010; 7:00 pm - Midnight
On the Thursday evening before Caribana Day the Kings and Queens of the Bands meet to do battle. Like peacocks they will primp and preen, eliciting “oohs” and “aahs” from the audience. It is an honour for any participant to be enthroned the King or Queen of Scotiabank Caribana 2010.

Pan Alive
Lamport Stadium
Friday July 30, 2010; 7:00 pm - Midnight
A thrilling evening showcasing the musical and tonal qualities of the steelpan as members of the Ontario Steelband Association compete before a panel of judges. This Panorama of the North is the biggest opportunity to hear this wonderful instrument in all its glory. The evening is devoted entirely to the capturing rhythms of the steelpan.

Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Parade
Exhibition Place (Lake Shore Blvd)
Saturday July 31st, 2010; 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
This showcase event features an incredible display of colour and pageantry, commencing at Exhibition Place and proceeding west along Lake Shore Boulevard. Exhibition Place and Lake Shore Boulevard will come alive with the sights and sounds of Carnival!

De Scotiabank CARIBANA™ Lime
Ontario Place
Sunday August 1, 2010;12:pm am – 8:00 pm
This event features a full day of performances from a variety of artistes, highlighting the diverse cultures of all the Caribbean people. Activities include a food competition, song, dance, theatrical drama and storytelling.

De Caribana Lime moves to Ontario Place

2009-07-20T16:05:00.000-04:00

’De Caribana Lime’ Moves to Ontario Place! Scotiabank Caribana Island Event to be held at Toronto’s #1 family destination

Toronto, July 20, 2009 – Scotiabank Caribana event organizers and Ontario Place have teamed up to bring the ‘De Caribana Lime’ Island Event to Toronto’s Waterfront Playground. On Sunday August 2nd, the Ontario Place grounds will come alive with a celebration of Caribbean song, dance, theatrical drama and story telling.

“The Festival Management Committee is pleased to announce the decision to move the ‘De Caribana Lime’ to Ontario Place,” said GM Operations, Sam Lewis. “The festival is a unique expression of Toronto’s Caribbean community and Ontario Place’s dedication to cultural entertainment made it an easy choice when deciding where to hold this event.”

The ‘De Caribana Lime’ celebrations at Ontario Place will highlight the various talents and cultures of the Caribbean people. The pageantry and celebrations are a part of the 42nd year of North America’s largest outdoor festival. Single tickets for the Island event cost $14.00 and include grounds admission to Ontario Place. Tickets go on sale Tuesday July 21st at noon and are available at the Ontario Place gates or on-line at www.cariabanafestival.com or www.ontarioplace.com.

“Scotiabank Caribana’s annual festival of music, food and vibrant presentations of Caribbean culture bring life and energy to the Toronto region and Ontario Place is proud to share in these celebrations,” said John Tracogna, Ontario Place General Manager. “The De Caribana Lime will bring a splash of island excitement to an already fun-filled summertime venue.”

The Scotiabank Caribana events will continue at Ontario Place on August 3rd, as Caribana Tent Villages bring a fantasy world of Masquerade bands, the artistry of carnival costumes and the sounds of steelpan music. Caribana Village runs from 12:00noon – 9:00pm at Heritage Square inside Ontario Place.

Junior Carnival takes the stage at Scotiabank Caribana

2009-07-19T22:47:00.009-04:00

Saturday July 18 - Toronto, Jane & Finch Community

A great day for Junior Carnival. Spectacular designed costumes, kids, parents, and community coming together to give us all just a taste of things to come for the "big parade" itself on August 1.

Competition was stiff as all bands that participated came prepared to walk away as Jr. Carnival champions. But in the end there can only be one.

Junior Queen of the Bands

1. In full Bloom - CARNIVAL NATIONS
2. The Ganges Meets the Nile - CALLALOO
3. Birds of Paradise - TRIBAL KNIGHTS
3. Brazil: Bacchanal in Rio - TORONTO REVELLERS

Junior King of the Band

1. Brazil: Bacchanal in Rio - TORONTO REVELLERS
2. Birds of Paradise - TRIBAL KNIGHTS
3. The Ganges Meets the Nile - CALLALOO

Junior Band of the YEAR

1. The Ganges Meets the Nile - CALLALOO
2. In full Bloom - CARNIVAL NATIONS
3. Birds of Paradise - TRIBAL KNIGHTS

Junior Male Individual

1. Birds of Paradise -TRIBAL KNIGHTS
2. The Ganges Meets the Nile - CALLALOO
3. Brazil: Bacchanal in Rio - TORONTO REVELLERS

Junior Female Individual

1. Dis is Africa - NIP DAVIS
2. Birds of Paradise TRIBAL KNIGHTS
3. Brazil: Bacchanal in Rio - TORONTO REVELLERS

Scotiabank Caribana welcomed by Toronto Stock Exchange

2009-07-07T13:07:00.007-04:00

Tuesday July 7, 2009

Scotiabank Caribana Festival Opens the Market

Joe Halstead, CEO of the Scotiabank Caribana Festival Management Committee opened the market on Tuesday July 7, 2009 to launch the start of the Carnival season in Toronto. In its 42nd year the Scotiabank Caribana Festival has become a major international event and the largest cultural event of its kind in North America. Mr. Halstead was joined by sponsors and partners including John Doig, Senior Vice President Marketing, Scotiabank; Matthew Garrow, Director, Corporate Affairs CP24 and CTV; Kinman Lee, Toronto Sun Publisher and CEO; Alan Vernon, Sway Magazine and Lee Petrie, Greater Toronto Airport Authority.

Also in attendance were Masquerade Band Leaders, Jamaal Magloire, Toronto Revellers, Louis Saldenah, Mas-K Club and Nip Davis, Nip Davis & SCSC. The festival begins July 14 and runs until August 3rd. Over 1.3 million spectators and costumed participants are expected to attend Parade Day on August 1 along Toronto's Lakeshore Boulevard.

For more information on the Scotiabank Caribana Festival, visit www.caribanafestival.com.

2009 Scotiabank Caribana Mas Bands Order of Appearance

2009-05-19T22:41:00.010-04:00

Revellers! It's time - Band are launching every weekend in the month of May, theme costumes being showcased and Mas Camps are preparing to take on all participants. The final piece has been decided ---
The Order of the Bands as they appear coming down the road...

Which band will you "jump up" in?

Talk to friends. Find family. Point is don't delay. Get on one of the bands listed below and have some fun.

Band #1 (Category A)
Mas Toronto (Errol & Alicia Achue)
2009 Theme: Into D Wild
Phone: 416-283-6161
Website: www.mastoronto.com

Band #2 (Category A)
Louis Saldenah Mas-K Club (Louis Saldenah)
2009 Theme: A Tribute to Harold Saldenah – The Golden Years
Phone: 416-560-4419
Website: www.saldenahcarnival.com

Band #3 (Category A)
Nip Davis & SCSC (Selwin “Nip” Davis)
2009 Theme: Dis Is Africa
Phone: 416-282-8809
Website: www.nipdavis.com | www.scsc.ca

Band #4 (Category A)
Callaloo (Marlon Singh)
2009 Theme: The Ganges Meets The Nile
Phone: 416-576-0694 | 416-845-3754
Website: www.callaloo.net

Band #5 (Category A)
Carnival Nationz (Marcus Eustace, Bryce Aguiton & Dwayne Pitt)
2009 Theme: In Full Bloom
Phone: 416-565-4079 | 416-985-8488 | 416-930-9650
Website: www.carnivalnationz.com

Band #6 (Category A)
Toronto Revellers (Jamaal Magloire)
2009 Theme: Brazil – Bachannel In Rio
Phone: 647-827-5745 | 289-232-0366 | 416-709-0632
Website: www.torontorevellers.com

Band #7 (Category A)
Tribal Knights (Dexter Seusahai)
2009 Theme: Birds Of Paradise
Phone: 416-893-1867 | 416-396-3780
Website: www.tribalknights.com

Band #8 (Category A)
Jessie Matthews & All Ah We Toronto (Cy & Jessie Mathews)
2009 Theme: All Board
Phone: 416-283-2238 | 905-924-1716
Website: www.allahwetoronto.com

Band #9 (Category B)
Borokeete Nex Generation (Anthony Joseph)
2009 Theme: 20TEN – A Tribute to the Olympics
Phone: 416-452-9973
Website: www.borokeetecanada.com | www.bcmas.com

Band #10 (Category B)
Pleasure Players (Whitfield Balasco)
2009 Theme: Dragon Masters of the Shaolin Temple
Phone: 905-568-9136
Email: werfamily2@hotmail.com

Band #11 (Category B)
Connections – TCC (Mervyn Skeete)
2009 Theme: Gem Stones
Phone: 416-492-5584 | 647-295-5584
Website: www.tocarnival.com

Band #12 (Category B)
Doldron, Doldron & Associates (Courtney Doldron)
2009 Theme: Mas Hysteria
Phone: 416-986-7875 | 647-928-5609 | 416-779-4211
Email: csdoldron@rogers.com

NEW MAS BANDS for 2009

Band #13 (Category B)
All Spice Carnival (Curtis Eustace & Andre DeFreitas)
2009 THEME: Safari
Phone: 416-728-6504 | 416-660-9154
Website: www.allspicecarnival.com

Band #14 (Category C)
All d’Friendz (Sherry Lee Kam)
2009 Theme: Dance With Me
Phone: 416-287-6309 | 416-238-5323
Email: sherry.leekam@gmail.com

Band #15 (Category C)
Fantazia International (Will Morton)
2009 Theme: A Taste Of Brazil
Phone: 289-888-1247
Website: www.fantaziainternational.net

Travel Documents

2009-05-19T09:50:00.003-04:00

Avoid the rush. Apply for your passport today!

We thought we would remind all our friends, families, and loyal followers of Scotiabank Caribana that starting June 1, 2009, new passport restrictions for air travel to and from the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean have taken effect.

Travelers are required to have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States with all air, land, and sea travel.

For detailed information please visit:

US travelers can find information at the U.S. Department of State Website.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

Canadians should check with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, or Passport Canada Offices website
http://ppt.gc.ca/index.aspx?lang=eng

I'll see all my friends "On de Road".

For news, event updates, contests, and more please visit
http://caribanafestival.com

Toronto Heats Up - 2009 Scotiabank Caribana - Feel De Vibe

2009-05-12T11:57:00.002-04:00

The Scotiabank Caribana Festival, North America's Biggest Celebration, is back and better than ever! After a whopping 1.3 million participants in 2008, it's going to get even BIGGER.

New for 2009, a new video series "On de Road", gives you a behind the scenes look at the band launches, Mas Camps, and YOU the people that JUMP UP at Caribana. Weekly video posts starting in June gives you more reasons to make Caribana your final destination spot.

We're also giving away a number of spectacular prizes in the BIGGEST CONTEST in the festivals 42 year history.

The world comes to Toronto - Scotiabank Caribana 2009 - FEEL DE VIBE!

for more information visit: http://caribanafestival.com
follow us on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/caribana_fest
join us on Facebook @ http://tinyurl.com/op7fub

King & Queen

2008-08-01T19:54:00.000-04:00

Lamport Stadium filled with Queen and King floats and hopeful contestants in sequins, feather and dance. The stands were bursting with family and friends that cheered on each and every float that rolled out.

Sunny and beautiful weather to the kick off to Caribana - the soca rhythms carry us to a perfect start to a weekend full of fun.

Get your whistles, dancing shoes and sunscreen on for the Scotiabank Caribana Parade tomorrow! For more details, check out www.caribanafestival.com

Scotiabank Caribana Gala

2008-07-29T16:36:00.000-04:00

The first ever Scotiabank Caribana Gala brought together the founders of the festivals, those who celebrate Caribbean culture in Toronto and tons of guests who were dressed to impress! With a delicious menu, Amarula sampling, mingling and mixing - this truly showcased the glory and piazzas Caribana brings to our city.

Weekend of Art and Music

2008-07-24T11:59:00.000-04:00

Hello Caribana Revelers!
Tomorrow the Caribbean Art Exhibit at the ROM begins
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=837285520#/event.php?eid=24161196677

Roots to Rhythm: Scotiabank Caribana Art Exhibit

July 25 to August 4, 2008
The bold rhythms found in the African drum, steel pan, jazz, gospel and more are celebrated on canvas in this colourful art exhibition featuring seventy works by acclaimed African-Canadian artists.

Every year, the Association of African Canadian Artists produces an art exhibition that takes place during the Scotiabank Caribana 2008 festival, North America’s largest outdoor event celebrating Caribbean and African Canadian culture. This year’s theme is Roots to Rhythm, and artists have been asked to submit works based on the following poem written by Joan Butterfield, Curator:

We were born to the rhythm of the African drum.
We stand proud of the land that we are from.

We were stolen from the rhythm of our motherland.
To become enslaved by another man.

We refused to be broken by the rhythm of the trip,
Or the threats of a masters whip.

We Sang and we danced to the rhythm of our songs.
We disguised the words and did no wrong.

We now jump-up to the rhythm of steel pan.
We limbo to the beat of a calypso band.

We live by the rhythm of gospel sounds,
that share hope and promise of heaven bound.

We tell stories in the rhythm of jazz,
that echoes the sounds and beats of our pass.

We make love to the rhythms of soul.
Our Hip hop music is brass and bold.

Our rhythm is rooted deep within our soul, it’s
The beat of our heart, and our stories told.

Don’t miss the limited engagement of this visual art journey that showcases the soul of music and the rich artistry of the African Canadian community.

A COLOURblind! travelling art exhibit produced by the Association of African Canadian Artists. Held during the final week of Scotiabank Caribana 2008 festival, North America’s largest outdoor event celebrating Caribbean and African Canadian culture.

If you are in the mood for some Calypso, don't forget to check out the Monarch March this weekend!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=21917641886

Soca in Mi Veins!

2008-07-20T00:18:00.000-04:00

Scotiabank Caribana Junior Parade

Kiddie Carnival as the media calls it, this event was a lot of Ooo and Ahhh for everyone involved. A version of the Caribana parade but for tiny revelers along the Jane and Finch strip, ending at the Yorkgate Mall. This event overflowed with extraordinary costume, soca music, cultural overload and lot of little dancers all around, celebrating Caribana.

For more information on how your child can get involved in next years Jr Parade, check out www.caribanafestival.com

More photos here!

Caribana Magazine Launch Party - CIRCA

2008-07-19T19:18:00.000-04:00

The Circa Ballroom welcomed the Caribana Magazine Launch party and made our Friday night extra festive and very fun! The excitement is in the air and everyone danced all night long, music spun by Toronto's own Dj Lissa Monet.

Special thanks to Appleton Estates Rum for providing liquid courage to the 'revelers' in the club.

Get your copy of the Caribana Magazine at www.caribanafestival.com

Looking for more pictures? Join our Facebook Group!

Caribana Magazine Launch Party - Circa

2008-07-17T18:15:00.000-04:00

RSVP HERE
To celebrate the launch of the Official Scotiabank Caribana magazine, the Upper Echelon & Get Janet have secured the upscale Ballroom inside Circa for a private Caribana warm-up party Sounds by:• Court Jester• Future the Prince • DJ Lissa Monet (Happy Birthday Lissa!!!!)Cocktails by Appleton Rum & magazines will be given out at the party as well.
For reduced $10 guestlist before 12:30, mention "Caribana Magazine" upon arrival.Before the wild & crazy parties begin, lets start off the festivities with something sexy & upscale......

Nothing helps you warm up better than some rum and Appleton Estates will be providing cocktails, so come through early to get yours!When you arrive, tell the guest list girls that you are there for the "Caribana Magazine party" in the Ballroom. They will give you a line bypass, reduced $10 cover and the bracelets needed to gain entrance to the private party!Sounds provided by: Court JesterFuture the PrinceLissa Monet (The Bday girl, make sure you wish her well)We'll also be giving away copies of the Official Scotiabank Caribana Magazine at the end of the nightWe still have a booth available to be reserved, so get at myself or Janet to lock yours down. We'll see you tomorrow night in the Ballroom...peace!

Jump Up Toronto!

2008-07-15T17:56:00.000-04:00

The 41st Anniversary for Caribana 2008! 41 years ago, Toronto was a very different place. Today, summer in TDot would not be the same without a colourful festival called Caribana. Bubbling over with revelry, glitter, feathers, costumes, dancing, creativity, fashion and food - The 2008 Scotiabank Caribana officially launched at Nathan Phillip Square with O Canada played on the steelpan by Joy Lapps, the princess of the pan herself!

With exciting headliners like Ludacris and Kardinal Official, it's no surprise that Toronto is bustling with sounds of calypso, soca, hiphop and reggae everywhere. In a few weeks, the street will be filled with luxurious [rental?] cars, men on a mission, tempting ladies and million or so tourists. Caribana and its related events bring over $350 million to Toronto each year. Get ready for the 1.2 million carnival revelers!

Scotiabank takes the first step with outstanding leadership by being the headline sponsor of Caribana this year. With over 120 banks in the Caribbean islands, Scotiabank and Caribana is a natural fit. With the support from the private sector, this creative and colourful festival not only describes Toronto but UNITES us.

A special thank you to the Toronto police who makes Caribana family-oriented and safe for everyone.

Official Partners & Sponsors: Toronto Sun, CBC, Toronto Tourism, Scotiabank

See you this Saturday July 19 for the Scotiabank Caribana Junior Carnival at Yorkgate Mall
For directions and more details, check out www.caribanafestival.com

Scotiabank Caribana Official Launch

2008-07-14T16:05:00.000-04:00

When? Tuesday, July 15
Where? Nathan Philip Square

The Scotiabank Caribana Official Launch is from 12-2pm. The official ceremony will include the National Anthem performed by Joy Lapps, the princess of the pan - with Steelpan.

Come out and join us to kick off the best festival that brings millions of tourist to the city of Toronto!

For more details, visit www.caribanafestival.com