By Dwaine Plaza Oregon State University The much-anticipated Kaiso 365 competition roared to life at the East Town Banquet Hall last night, delivering a dazzling showcase of Caribbean culture and musical prowess. The event drew a lively sold-out crowd of attendees, reaffirmed why the Calypso Monarch remains a highlight of Toronto’s Caribbean carnival. The stage […]
On a slightly overcast day in Toronto, the festival management committee presented the highly anticipated Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade. The parade featured about 12 bands, each with its unique theme, showcasing the rich and vibrant Caribbean culture. The parade kicked off with the Toronto Revellers, who entertained the audience with their energetic performance. They […]
The vibrant sounds of steel pan music echoed through the Canadian Exhibition Place on Friday night as the Ontario Steel Band Association presented their annual Pan Alive event. The celebration featured seven local steel bands, each performing the tune of their choice, captivating the audience with their musical prowess. Leading the charge was Wendy Jones […]
The King and Queen competition for the Toronto Caribbean Carnival dazzled attendees on Thursday at the Canadian Exhibition Place. As expected, the Caribbean community did not disappoint, showcasing an array of vibrant costumes that highlighted the richness of Caribbean culture. While official results from the Festival Management Committee (FMC) are still pending, it is known […]
By Roger Gibbs Photos by Dave Douglas Toronto’s East Town Banquet Hall in Scarborough was abuzz with excitement and anticipation at the climax of the 2024 KAISO 365 Calypso Monarch Finals which took place on Sunday, July 28. Held the weekend before the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade every year, this year an enthusiastic calypso […]
By Stephen Weir Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival festivities kicked off with a colourful celebration at the Blue Jays’ home game on Friday, July 26. This marked the third consecutive year that the team hosted a Caribbean-themed event at Rogers Centre. The evening began with a lively pregame ceremony featuring members of Epic Carnival Mas, who ran […]
The Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History, Dresden, Ontario, hosts an annual Emancipation Day celebration that highlights hope and freedom, marking the end of slavery in Canada and underscoring the ongoing quest for inclusivity and equity. Henson, a Methodist preacher, escaped slavery in the United States and arrived in Canada on October 28, 1830. Although […]
Character Arcs and Flashbacks This season, we reunite with Carmy (Jeremy Allen White) and his restaurant crew as they navigate the challenges of transforming a former Italian sandwich shop into a high-end eatery. Here is a glimpse of what is cooking: “Tomorrow” and the Art of Reflection The season starts with the episode “Tomorrow,” a […]
By Lincoln DePradine They were all young – toddlers included. It was their show – the Junior Parade of the 2024 Toronto Caribbean Carnival in Malvern – and the adults, including parents and a slew of politicians, were spectators. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s attendance at last Saturday’s event coincided with an announcement of a pledge […]
by Kabrena Robinson Colourful feathers and jewels glisten under the warm Toronto sun. Jubilant sounds fill the air, transporting you to another place — the essence of the islands on Canadian soil. In the coming days, many will take to the streets to admire and indulge in the grand cultural spectacle that is the Toronto […]