The Toronto Caribbean Carnival hosted a Media event at Hotel X, the site of the all-new Grand Parade Central, on June 6 to share details on this year’s festival. Hosted by CTV’s News Anchors – Nathan Downer and Jessica Smith, the televised event provided media, partners, and sponsors the first look at what festival- goers can expect this year.
Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson and Laverne Garcia – Executive Chair of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Board, provided introductory remarks, followed by a colorful showcase of costumes by four Mas Bands – SugaCayne, Freedom Mas Band, Fantazia Carnival, and Atlantic Mas. Mischka Crichton, Festival Manager, provided details on the 2022 festival lineup.
To kick-off off the festival season, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival’s Official launch will take place on July 7 at Nathan Phillip Square from 11 am to 8 pm. Thousands of people regularly attend this annual event, including live entertainment, costumes, and special guest appearances. This year, the festival announced a full day of programming, with special performances, Caribbean food vendors, and a lineup of DJs.
“Kiddies for Mas” was introduced as a separate event in Scarborough – Junior King & Queen Showcase and Junior Carnival Parade.
The Junior King and Queen Showcase will celebrate its 3rd year staged at a new venue, Scarborough Town Center (Parking lot at Triton Rd and Borough Dr), on July 10, 2022, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The event will include children’s activities, entertainment, music, food vendors, and arts & craft vendors. An estimated 30 Junior Kings, Queens, and individuals will participate.
The Junior Carnival comprises approximately 2,000 masqueraders ranging in age from toddlers to sixteen years, with an official opening at 10:30 am at Malvern Park (Malvern Community Center) and ends at 8:00 pm at Neilson Park on July 16, 2022.
From June 27 to July 31, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival will completely take over the Scarborough Town Centre – Centre Court with a vibrant showcase of Caribbean costumes and Instagrammable displays throughout the month leading up to the Grand Parade. The City of Scarborough has played an essential role in the Toronto Caribbean Carnival as the centre of most of our participating MAS bands.
The world-famous Grand Parade returns with an explosion of Caribbean music and cultural expression. Starting at Princes Boulevard, (12) Costume Bands will head through the Ex-Grounds onto Lakeshore Blvd. This year, the Grand Parade Route is 5 KM long with
- special activation Zones – Marilyn Bell Park, Grand Parade Central, located at Hotel X, and Centennial Park.
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During the media event, Celena Seusahai and Cleon Wong were announced as the 2022 “Faces of the Festival,” presented by Carib Beer. The duo will serve as brand ambassadors for the festival, working with the organizers to engage the community and promote the festival.
Toronto Caribbean Carnival has curated an exciting program of events leading up to the Grand Parade:
- Toronto Caribbean Carnival Official Launch – July 7, 2022
- Junior King and Queen and Junior Steelpan Showcase – July 10, 2022
- Junior Carnival – July 16, 2022
- OCPA Calypso Showcase – July 24, 2022
- King & Queen Showcase – July 28, 2022
- OSA Pan Alive – July 29, 2022
- Grand Parade – July 30, 2022
- Carnival Garden – July 31, 2022
- Awards Gala – September 17, 2022
For more information on the 2022 calendar of events or how to participate with a Mas Band, please visit https://torontocarnival.ca/.
