All my CC revelers it is carnival time in Canada. The three week Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival known for decades as CARIBANA launched this Tuesday (July 17). Visitors from around the US and the region make the trip to their neighbors up north for pageantry, vibrant colors, hot music and great food. Last year CARIBANA saw over a million people over the course of the 8 hour parade.
This year, Toronto’s Carnival is celebrating it’s 45th anniversary!
There are 16 Toronto MAS Band Association Bands in the parade competing for top band awards. There will be another 16 “guest” bands that travel the parade route but are not judged. Those guest bands range from the police, to Scotiabank employees, to young liberals and young PCs.
Of course there will be house parties where families and friends reconnect and enjoy each others company as well as official fetes featuring the best in Caribbean entertainment.
Make sure to sample the Caribbean fare from the over 300 vendors expected at this years showing.
Listed below are the official events for this years seasons. Get your calender and make time for some fetting guy!!!!!
Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto CEO Denise Hererra-Jackson and Toronto Reveller’s Mas Camp leader (and NBA star) Jaamal Magloire, welcome members of the Toronto business community to join them as the Festival officially openend the Toronto Stock exchange this morning.
Junior Carnival and Family Day, Presented by Chevrolet
DATE: Sat. Jul. 21, 2012
TIME: Parade from 11am to 2pm, Family Day from 2pm to 8pm
VENUE: Downsview Park
COST: Free
DETAILS: This event provides families and the surrounding community the opportunity to experience the thrills and joys as young masqueraders participate in their earlier festival years. These young revelers parade before the judges along the parade route in Downsview Park. Following the parade is a family day of celebration of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago 50th anniversary. Supported by the Children’s Breakfast Club (the designated charity) and the Metropolitan Toronto Police Service.
Canada versus Jamaica Rugby League
DATE: Sat. Jul. 21, 2012
TIME: 7pm
VENUE: Allan Lamport Stadium
COST: Gen. Adm. $25.00
DETAILS: This is year two featuring fans of Rugby League, the sporting arm of the festival. This event will feature a matchup between the Jamaican International team and Team Canada for the festival cup.
FMC BBQ
DATE: Wed. Jul. 25, 2012
VENUE: FMC Headquarters (19 Waterman Avenue, Suite 200 Toronto, Ontario M4B 1Y2)
COST: FREE
DETAILS: Tel: 416-391-5608 | Fax: 416-391-5693
The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Gala – An evening to discover – Presented by El Dorado – “The Official Rum of the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival”
DATE: Fri. Jul. 27, 2012
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. (Cocktails), 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Dinner), 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. (After Party)
VENUE: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex| Exhibition Place
COST: $160.00 (individual) $1600.00 (table)
DETAILS: Order tickets: 416.391.5608
Experience Caribbean culinary splendor, signature beverages, carnival music and arts at its best through a magnificent dinner program showcasing costumed masqueraders. Mix, mingle and network with sponsors, donors, partners and special guests. Participate in fundraising activities, silent auction and sale of swag bags in support of a charitable cause.
Carnival: Emancipation to Celebration
DATE: Sat. Jul. 28, 2012
VENUE: ROM (Royal Ontario Museum)
COST: ROM entrance fee
DETAILS: A unique display of the history and cultural significance of the Carnival in the City of Toronto capturing the festival around the city and featuring the pioneers of the festival with their recollection over the years.
Calypso Monarch Finals
DATE: Sat. Jul. 28, 2012
VENUE: PC HO Cultural Centre
COST: TBA
DETAILS: After weeks of performances, male and female calypsonians who have made the final cut from the Calypso Tent Series will compete for the annual Monarch crown. This is equal opportunity in song and composition at its best.
Toronto Pearson Official Launch
DATE: Tue. Jul. 31, 2012
TIME: 3pm to 5pm
VENUE: Pearson Airport – Term 3
COST: FREE
DETAILS: Once again, Toronto Pearson collaborates with the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival to promote the festival at the gateway to the City of Toronto with Caribbean entertainment and tastings.
Calypso All Stars Showcase
DATE: Tue. Jul. 31, 2012
VENUE: Harbourfront Centre
COST: TBA
DETAILS: A showcase of the high energy performers who’ve made the cut and perform at the Harbourfront stage to a new audience
King and Queen Competition and Show, Presented by Chevrolet
DATE: Thu. Aug. 02, 2012
VENUE: Allan Lamport Stadium
COST: Advance $30.00 / Gate $35.00 / Seniors $30.00 / V.I.P $100.00 VIP / Group (min 25-30) – $2400
DETAILS: The Allan Lamport Stadium becomes an outdoor theatrical stage where the Kings and Queens of the bands along with individuals compete to be the best of the best. They give the audience the opportunity to appreciate the talent and artistic skill of the designers and costumer builders. The Ontario Science Center continues to award a special prize for the best environment use of material in a costume
Pan Alive
DATE: Fri. Aug. 03, 2012
VENUE: Allan Lamport Stadium
COST: Advance $25.00
DETAILS: This is a thrilling evening displaying the musical and tonal qualities of the steel pan as members of the Ontario Steelpan Association compete before a panel of judges. This show is the best opportunity to hear this wonderful instrument in all its glory. This event highlights the talent of pannists ranging in age from early teens to adults as they perform their original renditions.
Grand Parade
DATE: Sat. Aug. 04, 2012
VENUE: Exhibition Place & Lakeshore Blvd
COST: Adult Stand Or Bleachers $20.00 / Seniors Stand Or Bleachers $15.00 / Child Stand Or Bleachers $15.00 / Cabana (maximum 15 Persons) $600.00 / Child Cabana $20.00 / Individual Cabana Ticket $40.00
DETAILS: After months of preparation, masqueraders in colourful and striking costumes and steel pan bands whine their way from Exhibition Place along a 3.5 kilometre stretch on Lakeshore Boulevard. This performance of bejewelled masqueraders continues to draw millions from all over the world to see the live performing street art year after year. With opportunities for VIP seating in designated, controlled areas, which will include upgraded seating, tents, marketplace, and the Carnival village.
Beyond de lime – Fish Friday and J’ouvert
DATE: Aug. 03 and 04, 2012
TIME: Fish Friday: 10pm – 3am | J’ouvert: 5am – 9am
VENUE: CNE
COST: $20
Beyond De Lime – Food Festival & Concert
DATE: Sun. Aug. 05, 2012
TIME: 12pm to 7pm (food festival) | 7pm to 9pm (concert)
VENUE: Polson Pier
COST: Regular- $20 / VIP- $85
Closing Festival Church Service
DATE: Sun. Aug. 12, 2012
TIME: 4:30pm
VENUE: St. James Cathedral
COST: FREE
DETAILS: We give thanks for all the festival sponsors, donors, partners, participants and audiences for their support. This service takes place at St. James Cathedral.
For more information on these evenets visit the Official Caribana Website.
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