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Members from throughout south-western Ontario, including reps from the Aboriginal and Workers of Colour Committee, took great pride in celebrating Caribbean culture with their children during Toronto’s Caribana parade. This year, the Executive of Local 40 helped to organize the mas band contingent to represent the union in the highly anticipated grande parade.
Teaming up with SunLine productions, the group built and created four large floats that were carried by people, including two youth, during the parade and elaborate costumes worn by masqueraders who jumped up and danced along the street.
In addition to the parade, the group also played in the kids’ carnival, and competed in the King and Queen showcase competition. Being judged on creativity, costume construction and design, the group placed third in the King event.
The parade is the major event that brings the three week festival to close and is celebrated by over one million people. Throughout the day masqueraders were treated to a variety of sounds and rhythms of the Caribbean, including Calypso, Soca, Reggae, and Steel Pan. Toronto’s first parade debuted in 1967 and has been growing ever since; you won’t want to miss next years’ 50th celebration!
