Photos and article By Rebecca Kerr

The sun was blazing hot, the loud, pulsating, infectious sounds of Soca music echoed thru the streets in Malvern as thousands of junior masqueraders, their parents, relatives and friends chipped, danced, jumped and waved for the return of kiddies’ carnival 2022.

Thousands lined the street to welcome back The Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Junior Carnival Kiddies in Mas Parade of the Bands on Neilson Road last Saturday.

The sights, sounds and the kaleidoscope of color, artistry and pageantry on display as the costumes came into view generated an excitement that was contagious throughout the day as young and old enjoyed the festivities.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mayor John Tory were on hand to start the parade and offer their best wishes, and were seen mingling and taking photos with some of the young masqueraders.

With 12 bands participating for bragging rights, the competition this year was as fierce as ever, and when the dust settled, Carnival Nationz’ Lil’ Nationz’s portrayal “Queens and Goddesses” copped the coveted title, Toronto Caribbean Carnival Junior Band of the Year 2022.

Second place went to Louis Saldenah’s “Streets on Fire” while Toronto Revellers “Bon Voyage” was third.

After a long 2-year absence due to the pandemic, the Toronto Caribbean Junior Carnival two premier events, the Junior King and Queen competition and the Kiddies in Mas Parade of the bands, have enjoyed a successful comeback. This year the Junior Carnival King and Queen competition was hosted at the Scarborough Town Center.

Next up, the grand finale as masqueraders hit the Lakeshore. The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is celebrating its 55th anniversary of the Grande Parade of the bands on Saturday July 30, 2022.