2023 Festival Guide

2023 FESTIVAL GUIDE

July 11 – August 6, 2023

A MESSAGE FROM PREMIER DOUG FORD

Warm greetings and welcome to everyone to the 2023 Toronto Caribbean Carnival.

Every summer, the world comes to Toronto to join this spectacular celebration of the Caribbean culture and spirit. From its humble beginnings, the carnival has become one of the most-anticipated summer events in North America and the world.

Congratulations to the creative and hardworking team behind this event. The long-running success of this festival is proof of the incredible talent within our Caribbean communities.

Events such as this bring people together, generate tourism and strengthen Ontario’s reputation as a world-class destination for people in search of new and exciting cultural experiences.

Best wishes for another unforgettable carnival!

Doug Ford Premier

Premier of Ontario - Premier ministre de l’Ontario

Message from the Deputy Mayor

It is my pleasure to extend greetings and a warm welcome to everyone who is attending this year's Toronto Caribbean Carnival

This wonderful celebration of Caribbean culture provides an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the community's arts and culture, music, dance and cuisine through various festival events. Thank you to the organizers, volunteers and participants who are helping to bring colourful displays of pageantry and the vibrancy of the Caribbean to life during the carnival. This year marks the 56th anniversary of the Grande Parade, which was first gifted to Canada by the Caribbean community during Canada's centennial celebrations. We honour the history of the parade's roots as a celebration of freedom and emancipation from slavery. It is appropriately celebrated on Emancipation Day weekend.

Toronto is one of the world's most multicultural cities and home to people from all over the world. The valued contributions of multicultural communities strengthen our society and contribute to our city's motto "Diversity Our Strength".

Events like these celebrate the rich cultures and traditions that make our city so unique, and are essential to a prosperous, vital and livable Toronto.

On behalf of Toronto City Council, please accept my best wishes for a memorable event and continued success.

Yours truly,

Jennifer McKelvie Deputy Mayor of Toronto

The mandate of the Festival Management Committee (FMC), producers of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, continues to be the promotion of Caribbean culture, diversity and to support multiculturalism in Canada. Our mantra is Diversity and Culture live here. Additionally, this year the FMC has taken the bold step of setting our mandate Beyond the Mas. Our vision is to promote joy, diversity, to provide opportunities, and to highlight our community’s talents in business and education.

We could not fulfil our mandate without our community’s support. Our community holds this Toronto Caribbean Carnival close to its heart and has protected it for 56 years. To our community: we see you and we give you our utmost thanks.

Our volunteers have stepped up this year to ensure that our events are staffed, and our visitors feel welcomed. Our volunteers work tirelessly and for long hours sometimes through difficult situations. Yet they come back every year to support the Toronto Caribbean Carnival. To our volunteers: we see you and we give you our heartfelt thanks.

Putting on the Carnival is very expensive. Revenues earned from the various events are not sufficient to put on the Carnival. The Federal, Provincial and Municipal governments need to provide more financial support to the Toronto Carnival. However, we must thank them for the financial support they have given us. We see your efforts. We especially see the efforts of the City of Toronto in providing various types of support. We thank you.

Earlier this year we challenged Canadian businesses to step up their sponsorship game; they heard our call and responded in a significant way. Companies like MLSE, the Toronto Football Club, Porter Airlines, Grace Foods, Diageo, Spotify, Street Eat Markets Cantu, OLG and many other companies have generously sponsored our events. They understand our buying power. In addition, unions like UA and OSSTF have joined the group of forward-thinking organizations who have partnered with us. To these organizations we want to say that our community sees you and we thank you.

To the Staff and Management of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, you have worked tirelessly through difficult financial circumstances. Your perseverance and resilience are truly astounding. You chose to

THE MAS

disregard the noise and have worked diligently through changes at various levels of the organization. We are incredibly proud of you. We see you and we sincerely thank you.

The stakeholders continue to be an integral part in the success of this Carnival. This year we worked to develop, market and support the small and medium mas bands, steel bands, and calypsonians. Our marketing efforts including newsletter, interviews, TV appearances, and sporting events have all been successful. Our collaborations have proven to be amazing, and they have strengthened our efforts in being the best Carnival in the world. To all our stakeholders, we see you, we appreciate you, and we thank you.

The Board Members of the FMC work tirelessly through difficult times and sometimes face unfounded criticism. You developed policies and practices that support this Carnival, you advocated to various levels of government for increase funding, you accepted challenging positions despite being swamped with your regular jobs and responsibilities, you created diversity programs, educational programs, sponsorship programs and you rallied behind the Chair when things got tough to make this Carnival a success. To the Board of Directors, we see you and we could not do this without you. We thank you.

And finally, to all our visitors whether you’re a returning guest or experiencing the joy and pageantry that the Toronto Caribbean Carnival brings for the first time, WELCOME! We see you. We see the support you bring every year, and we thank you for joining us. We hope that you have an unforgettable experience filled with our beautiful costumes, the sounds of our amazing steel bands and the musical renderings of our Calypsonians. Celebrate with us and savour our delicious foods, partake responsibly in our drinks, let loose and dance without inhibitions because… you are at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, the Best Carnival in the world.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Michelle Hirlehey

FMC BOARD CHAIR

CARNIVAL OFFICIAL LAUNCH

JULY 11 | 11:00AM - 8:00 PM

NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE

The Official Launch to the 2023 Toronto Carnival month! This marks the official kick-off to an exciting 4 weeks of events showing the colourful and exuberating multi-arts creations from Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival Arts Community. Thousands of people regularly attend this annual lunch-time event that includes live entertainment, prestigious guests and a DJ party from 4-8pm.

JUNIOR CARNIVAL PARADE

JULY 22 | 11:00AM - 8:00 PM

MALVERN COMMUNITY CENTRE & NEILSON PARK

Junior Carnival Parade welcomes you to march along Neilson Road, in support of the youngest revellers.

JUNIOR KING & QUEEN SHOWCASE

JULY 16 | 2:00PM - 8:00PM

SCARBOROUGH TOWN CENTRE

Junior King & Queen Showcase welcomes all in support of de Future of de Carnival with the lavish and colourful showcase of the Jr. King & Queen creations!

OCPA CALYPSO COMPETITION

JULY 30 | 5:30PM

LATVIAN CULTURAL CENTRE

The OCPA Calypso competition is open to established and upcoming Calypso singers to showcase their talents in a vibrant and competitive environment. The competition is open to Canadian Calypso artists. Participants are judged based on their lyrical content, melody, musical arrangement, and overall performance.

KING & QUEEN SHOWCASE

AUGUST 3 | 7:00PM – 12:00 AM

LAMPORT STADIUM

The arts of music, dance, costumes, and performance are all on spectacular display. Marvel at the elaborate large costumes showcase. The categories of Male Individual, Female Individual, King, and Queen are up for grabs. Featuring over 50 costumes, shine, sparkle, glitz and pageantry; spectators oooh and ahh, bringing the stadium to life. Come support your favourite Mas Bands and their grand showcase of the King & Queen costumes!

THE GRAND PARADE

AUGUST 5 | 8:00AM – 8:00 PM

EXHIBITION PLACE & LAKESHORE BLVD

Jump up and wave with thousands of masqueraders on Lakeshore Boulevard as Toronto’s top DJ’s spin the hottest Soca music! There is a paid area with plenty of food, refreshments and more. You can also watch for free along Lakeshore Blvd.

PAN IN D'PARK

AUGUST 6 | 2:00PM – 8:00PM

MALVERN PARK/REC CENTRE

“Pan In D’ Park” comprises of Toronto’s top steel bands and avid steel pan performers showcasing their unique sounds as they preserve the cultural musical artform. The family event will include Old Mas Characters, DJs, Calypso/Soca Artists, other entertainment, a Marketplace and Amusement area.

TCC INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL

AUGUST 6 | 2:00PM

MALVERN PARK/REC CENTRE

PAN ALIVE PANORAMA

AUGUST 4 | 7:00PM – 12:00AM

LAMPORT STADIUM

Brought to you by the Ontario Steelpan Association. Pan Alive is back and ready to showcase Toronto’s avid steel pan performers promoting and preserving the cultural musical art form.

TTC International Food Festival is another opportunity to gather with family and friends as we celebrate the Caribbean and all the diverse cultures that make up the City of Toronto. Sample delicious foods from all the Caribbean Islands, enjoy live performances, and artisanal goods. Tantalize your taste buds and move your feet to the rhythms. This event is side by side with OSA’s Pan In D’Park.

Sokah costume courtesy of Dwayne and Candice Dixon of SugaCayne Mas (130 Yorkland Blvd., Toronto, ON M2J 1R5)

FACE OF THE FESTIVAL

Keyanna Bell, is a mother, business owner, and Caribbean culture enthusiast, who recognized a lack of discussion around the history and significance of carnival. As this years Face of the Festival, she aims to emphasize that carnival is more than a street party. It is a ceremony where we commemorate our ancestors struggles and celebrate their victory. It’s a festival where we revel in the healing catharsis that is carnival. Keyanna plans to launch a podcast to inform younger generations of the diaspora about the significance of carnival, hoping to empower them to stay connected to their Caribbean roots, and keep the spirit of carnival alive.

ABOUT DAME LORRAINE

Dame Lorraine, is a traditional character in Caribbean Carnival culture, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago. It is a masquerade character that has its roots in French and African traditions.

Dame Lorraine is depicted as a colortul, flamboyant female character dressed in elaborate costumes and wearing a large hat or headdress. The character is often associated with excess and indulgence, and her attire is typically adorned with vibrant feathers, sequins, and other embellishments. The performance of Dame Lorraine involves lively dance movements and exaggerated gestures.

Dame Lorraine represents a fusion of European and African cultural influences, reflecting the diverse heritage of the Caribbean. It is considered an important part of the cultural identity and artistic expression found in Caribbean Carnival celebrations.

MODEL Keyanna Bell

COSTUME Martin Scott-Pascal

PHOTOGRAPHY Anthony Berot ASSISTANTS Bernadine Rambarran / Angela Pierre

MAS CAMPS

E.P.I.C. CARNIVAL

787 Warden Ave., Unit 9, Scarborough, ON M1L 4C2

SUNLIME

73595 St. Clair Ave. E., Bldg. B, Scarborough, ON M1K 1L8

TORONTO REVELLERS

2450 Victoria Park Ave., North York, ON M2J 4A2

LAVWAY MAS

72 Dynamic Dr., Unit 10, Scarborough, ON M1V 3Z5

FREEDOM MAS

5359 Timberlea Blvd., Unit 2, Mississauga, ON L4W 4N5

COSTUME CREATORS

5359 Timberlea Blvd., Unit 2, Mississauga, ON L4W 4N5

SALDANEH MAS K-CLUB

280 Consumers Rd., Unit 344, North York, ON M2J 1P8

LUX CARNIVAL

Northspace - 15 Gervais Dr., Suite 700, North York, ON M3C 1Y8

TRIBAL CARNIVAL

3401 McNicoll Ave., Unit 8, Scarborough, ON M1V 2V5

CARNIVAL NATIONS

Tam Heather Curling Club - 730 Military Trail, Scarborough, ON M1E 4P7

FANTAZIA

118 Production drive. Unit #118, Scarborough, ON M1H 2X8

SUGACAYNE

130 Yorkland Blvd., Toronto, ON M2J 1R5

THE BUILDING BLACK ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM

MICHELLE LOCHAN GENERAL MANAGER, BBEP

In 2018, Statistics Canada reported that there an estimated 66,880 Black-owned businesses in Canada compared to 880 in 2007.

For emerging Black and Caribbean entrepreneurs who are seeking knowledge to develop and grow sustainable businesses, the Building Black Entrepreneurs program (BBEP) delivers free business management training including financial literacy, marketing, technology and other key subjects and services that are important to a successful business.

To date the BBEP has supported close to 300 entrepreneurs, helped create 140 jobs and generated over $1.8 million dollars in economic activity since the program started in January 2022.

The Building Black Entrepreneurs Program (BBEP) is administered by The Festival Management Committee (FMC), producers of the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival, The FMC saw the opportunity to formalize a business advisory and education service through the Government of Canada Black Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Fund. The Building Black Entrepreneurs Program, designed to support community members in and around the Carnival or festival ecosystem in Ontario, culminates in a Certificate of Completion awarded in partnership with George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology.

The BBEP produces dynamic corporate events for entrepreneurs to enhance the curriculum and brings leaders in business and important public resources to enrich their professional networks.

The Building Black Entrepreneurs program is designed to for various levels of learners and nurtures entrepreneurs in four mains ways:

1. Providing business management education

2. Supporting relationship-building

3. Business advising and client support

4. Creating business opportunities.

For more information or to register for the 2024 program please visit:

https://bbep.ca info@bbep.ca

ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION

The FMC has reinitiated a program this year to engage our city’s youngest learners in the Toronto area elementary and high schools. The program seeks to promote Caribbean culture and to foster diversity by providing opportunities for students to participate in lessons, activities, and workshops relating to Caribbean Carnival history and Carnival arts.

The aim of the program is to highlight the historical importance and contributions of Canadians of Caribbean heritage, and by extension, African, Indian, Chinese, European and the many other places from where Caribbean people originate. The program also highlights the contributions of individuals from the Caribbean community to the wider Canadian society.

2023 GRAND PARADE

GARDINEREXPRESSWAY

PARADE ROUTE

ASSEMBLY AREA #1

GRAND PARADE CENTRAL - GRAND STAGE

ASSEMBLY AREA #2 - REFORMATION POINT 1 (1.5 KM)

MARILYN BELL PARK - WEST U-TURN POINT

REFORMATION POINT 2 (4 KM)

HOTEL X - EAST RETURN LANE

GRAND PARADE CENTRAL - FINAL LAP SHOWCASE

LAKESHOREBLVDWEST

ASSEMBLY AREA #2

TICKET

Toronto caribbean carnival How the festival exempliFIfies diversity within Toronto MASAHDA

LOCHAN-ARISTIDE

Globally, Toronto is known as a cultural mosaic, a city where individuals embrace diverse backgrounds and make room for cultural expression.

In a city of 3 million people, daily interactions create opportunities for cultural penetration, and one of the most prominent examples of this is the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival - a cultural institution gathering Torontonians of all walks of life to celebrate and experience Caribbean culture at its finest.

At its core, Carnival is a commemoration of emancipation, and a showcase of the finest craftsmanship within the city. Additionally, this celebration makes room for those of differing backgrounds to immerse themselves into the roots of Caribbean culture, simply by watching the parade or actively participating in its revelry. The Toronto Carnival allows space for those of diverse backgrounds to engage with and appreciate the hard work, dedication, and creativity that goes into delivering this massive cultural production.

An accurate reflection of the varying cultural communities that make up the city can be found in Toronto’s official motto, “Diversity our Strength.” These words being a true reflection of

the communities formed and the cultures celebrated throughout the city.

Leading up to the grand parade, many events such as King and Queen and Pan Alive Panorama are offered and open to all members of the Toronto’s community and visitors looking to experience all Caribbean culture has to offer.

The festival is a magnificent display of the rich history and diverse culture of nearly every Caribbean Island. Increasingly, we also count other members of our Toronto community among our dedicated team of supporters and volunteers.

Each event is carefully curated with purpose, opens deeper discussions into the importance of highlighting differing cultures in the city further reinforcing a climate of cultural appreciation, and acceptance.

Opening the Carnival to curious minds and lovers of art, this cultural institution embraces the diversity of the city. Welcoming all who are interested in learning and witnessing the roots of the festival, and its importance in the lives of those of Caribbean descent. This festival leans on the city’s motto showcasing the strength of culture and its impact when supported by its surrounding community.

ORDER OF THE BANDS

Toronto Revellers

Saldenah Carnival

Tribal

Carnival Nationz

Sunlime Mas

E.P.I.C. Carnival

SugaCayne

Fantazia Carnival

Costume Creators Cultural Art

Lavwaymas

Freedom Mas Band

Atlantic Mas

LUX Carnival

The Order of the Bands applies to the four events that the Mas Bands compete in: The Junior King and Queen Showcase, Junior Carnival Parade –Band of the Year, the King and Queen Showcase, and the Grand ParadeBand of the Year competition.

GRAND PARADE DAY

On Grand Parade Day, there will be two assembly areas:

Assembly Area #1: STAGE

Assembly Area #2: ROAD

EXPLORING THE ORIGINS OF THE TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL

Henry Gomez

2023 marks fifty-six years since migrants from the Caribbean created Toronto Carnival, formerly called Caribana; which, since its inception, has had its Grand Parade on the Saturday of the Simcoe holiday weekend. This first weekend in August was named after John Graves Simcoe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, who is credited with having slavery abolished in this country.

It is as close as we can come, truthfully and historically, to any association of Toronto Carnival with the Emancipation Proclamation of 1834, and the subsequent “freeing” of diasporic Africans from slavery in British colonies. Any statement or claim that the festival was created to celebrate freedom or emancipation might be because our parade closely resembles Trinidad and Tobago carnival, after which it was modeled in 1967, but the two are very different.

Trinidad carnival was born of struggle and bloodshed and was impacted by historical events ranging from the Cedula de Population of 1783, the Haitian Revolution, the British capture of Trinidad from the Spanish in 1797, Cannes Brulées (Canboulay) riots and British colonial rule right through to independence in 1962. The fight by diasporic Africans to gain their freedom was at the heart of many of these struggles.

By sharp contrast, Toronto Carnival, or Caribana as many still call it, was a positive response to a direct call by the fed-

eral government of the day to celebrate Canada’s 100th anniversary as a nation in 1967. And its creation was the collective and willing effort of West Indians (Caribbeans) living in Toronto at the time. They came from islands that included Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, Grenada, Saint Vincent, Antigua, and Saint Kitts, and established themselves as lawyers, doctors, accountants, dentists and city planners.

Some of the more familiar names were Alban Liverpool, Sam Cole, Charles Roach, Maurice Bygrave, Cathy Searles, Romain Pitt, Alpha King, and Peter Marcelline. They faced many obstacles due to racism and other forms of discrimination, but they sacrificed so we can have this festival and parade today. Some who were property owners even used their homes as collateral to obtain bank loans to operate the festival.

Since its creation, the parade has become much more inclusive to reflect the ethnic and other diversities of Toronto and Canada. Its founders chose the Simcoe Day weekend not because it had to do with emancipation, but because it was warm and evocative of being in the Caribbean.

Whether coincidence of the hand of fate, the festival and parade have lasted fifty-six years, and of all the festivals formed to commemorate Canada’s 100th, it is the only one that has survived.

THE HISTORY OF PAN AND OSA IN TORONTO

Ian Jones

The first recorded visits of Steelbands to Toronto were performances at the Canadian National Exhibition by the Esso Dixie Stars and Esso Tropitones in August 1954 and 1955. In 1961, a group of University of Toronto students led by Nick Inniss started Panicks which subsequently became Steltones. Then, a group of women working at Bell Canada started the Belletones, an all-female Steelband. As more Trinidad students chose university in Canada instead of the United Kingdom, and the 1966 Immigration Act welcomed non-students, pan spread to other provinces especially Nova Scotia, Quebec, Manitoba, British Columbia and other parts of Ontario.

Sello Gomes, who first visited Toronto as a player with Dixie Stars, started an after-school pan program at Sir Wilfrid Laurier CI in Scarborough in 1970. The North York School Board then introduced extra-curricular steelpan into some of its schools in 1976 and more school boards followed this example. Also, individuals and organizations formed community Steelbands and offered classes for beginners.

Currently, some churches and community organizations offer adult programs so there are affordable opportunities for anyone to play “pan”. In the GTA people can enjoy Steelband music at paid concerts like Snowflakes, free Summer Blockoramas and nightly summer rehearsals in the “panyards”. Over the years, Toronto has developed its cadre of good pan makers and tuners thereby eliminating the need to import instruments.

The Ontario Steelpan Association (OSA) was launched on June 26 2003 as a not-for-profit organization to provide accountable leadership in the growth and development of the steelpan and the steelpan community. OSA, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, has partnered with the Trinidad & Tobago Consulate and a variety of educational and community organizations to develop steelpan throughout the GTA. Pan Alive is the event at which Steelbands compete for boasting rights and it has become the flagship event of OSA.

OCPA AND CALYPSO IN TORONTO

Henry Gomez

For the past forty years, The Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes, OCPA, has been building on the Canadian calypso tradition by providing a platform for calypsonians and staging competitions for the artistes to establish and maintain their profiles.

The first calypso competition in Toronto, and possibly Canada, was held in 1969 at Maple Leaf Gardens. It was produced by the Caribbean Cultural Committee, the founders of the Caribana Festival, and was won by Trinidadian Dave De Castro aka De Bandit. The second competition of note was produced by private parties and was held in 1980 at Cutty’s Hideaway at 538 Danforth Avenue, where Lord Smokey was crowned King. Subsequently, in 1981 Selwyn Woods of Magic Productions produced the calypso competition that gave birth to OCPA, calypso tents in Toronto and competitions over the years.

This 1981 competition was held at the Masonic Temple, 888 Yonge Street at Davenport, and was won by Trinidadian, Young Beginner (real name Michael Moore), whose calypso pedigree includes Egbert Moore aka Beginner.

From 1981 to the present, OCPA (originally, Calypso Association of Canada) has been the body producing the Canadian Calypso Monarch competition which has produced many monarchs over the years. They include Young Beginner, Jayson, Structure, Macomere Fifi, King Cosmos, Pan Man Pat, Lady Pearl, Tracey Ann Anthony, Luv Bug, Victorio and Red Man.

OCPA looks forward to keeping the Canadian calypso and carnival tradition alive by producing another competition on Sunday, July 30, 2023, at the Latvian Cultural Centre.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll find yourself falling naturally in rhythm with the heartbeat of our islands. Our rich culture and storied history, our pristine beaches, turquoise waters, natural diversity, and our smiling, friendly people can’t wait to warmly welcome you to America’s Caribbean Paradise.

visitUSVI.com

WHEN WE PLAY TOGETHER, WE WIN TOGETHER!

OLG is proud to support Ontario communities, helping bring events like the Toronto Caribbean Carnival to life!

VISITOR INFORMATION

Plan your visit to Toronto. Toronto is one of the most diverse, multicultural, and welcoming cities in the world.

LANGUAGES

— In addition to the two official languages of English and French, the top 5 languages are Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog, Spanish, and Tamil

CURRENCY

Canadian Dollar (CDN)

— Our coins are loonie ($1), toonie ($2), 5, 10, and 25 cent coins. We no longer have pennies (1C). Total purchase amounts are either rounded up or down.

— Our currency bills are interesting and colourful and come in denominations of $5 (blue), $10 (purple), $20 (green), $50 (red), and $100 (Brown)

US dollars are accepted in many downtown establishments, just ask. You will receive your change in Canadian dollars

Money exchange booths are available throughout the downtown core and at the airport Major credit cards are widely accepted

Cash machines and ATMs are widely available at banks, hotels, and shopping malls

SALES TAX

There is a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 13% on most purchases of goods and services in Ontario

TIPPING

— 15-20% is the standard amount for tipping in Toronto.

*Note that some establishments may automatically add a tip for serving large groups

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

MAIN AIRPORTS

— Toronto Pearson International Airport - Take the UP Express from Union Station to Pearson Airport.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport - Located on Toronto Island which is linked to the city by a ferry or pedestrian tunnel

TRAIN

The GO Train is an interregional train that connects the Great Toronto Area (GTA) with neighbouring regions. There is a convenient stop right at Exhibition Place for you to access the parade

Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) includes subways, buses, and streetcars that make it easy to get around the city. Day passes are available

2SLGBTQ+ VISITORS

The heart of Toronto’s queer community can be found in the Church-Wellesley Village with the main hubs located along Church, Wellesley, and Carlton streets

— TTC (subway): Wellesley Station

vendor list

VENDOR BOOTH NAME

Abena Mcrae

Aileen Thorne

Aileen Thorne

Alaeddine Jabri

Alicia Scott

Alverna Dubry

Ohema Jewellery & Accessories

Trendy

Trendys

The Mighty Cob

Ah Taste of Jamaica

A&C Hot Pepper Jamaican Restaurant

Amanda Courtney Tell Miss Courtney

Anchunette Archer

Andrae Cooke

Andre Peynado

Antoinette Charles-Owen

Antovin Aries

Asha McAlmont

Chearica Peters

Claudia Blades

Claudine Ricketts

Collette Cummings

Collette Sancho/Joan Samuels

Craig & Carla Dhu

Daniel Martin

Daniel Rajanayagam

Denise St. Ange

Deniz Telli

Denry George

Deon King

Dixie Ann King

Eddy Soekor

Edul Rahaman

Eileen Knight

Elaine Amsterdam

Emanuel Katnelson

Emily McBride

Erica London

Faith Hatchett

Grace Foods

Hanneson Suy

Huimin Zhou

Huzaifah Bhaiyat

Anchus caribbean Hut

Vitalife Vegan

Drayscakezw

Nah Joke Gourmet Hot PepperSauce

The Diners Corner

Colorful Skins

Shaynelz

Hydrate

Worldwide Souvenir Mart

Kountry Kitchen

Strictly Roots and Culture

Snowcone

Bobby Smokes

Honeypot

Jordavelles Desserts

Sugar Cne Juice

Caribbean Flavah Food

Kings Catering

Bake & Friends

Indomie

Roast Corn Express

Eileen Knight

Toronto Community Crisis Center

Tropic Love Concession

Neo Financial

Colour Their World

Jessies Centre

Grace Foods

Meat on a Stick

C&J Mama’s De Boutique

Royal Juice

Indy Charles Strut Caribbean

Jeannette Brefoe

Joanne Anderson

John Chow/Alice Chen

Joycelyn David

Kadeon Watts

Karen Brown

Heart_TeaseCatering

Sunshine Smoothies

Yummys

Food for the Poor

Dat it is Jerk Fest

Fruit Grenade

VENDOR BOOTH NAME

Kevin Cezario

Kevin Pariag

Kim Murrell

Krystle Dickson

Kurt Dawson

Lenora Lashley

Leo Brummell

Leon Miller

Madeline Nwokeji

Mark Powell

Martel Murray

Mary Louise Alleyne

Melanie Linton

Michelle Ballestin

Moruga Soup & Ting

Revel Poptails

CIBC-CBEN

Manifest Bookstore

Corn Soup Man

Purple Passion

Leon Carnival and Fairs

Sunset Hut

Lala Skin Essentials

Miracles are Possible

Papa G’s Kitchen

Lulu’s

Melo’s Kitchen

Koolorez

Ming Kitty Chen Cheri Glace

Myriam Renoso Caribbean Taste

Nick Foglia Strides Toronto

Oluwafunmise Oladeji

Tolagos

Raysean Callo Sauce Bauce

Rene Alfaro Bluefish Sunshine Grill

Ricardo Keane Power Arts

Richard Wright

Sam Salama

Sandra Persad

Sandra Pierre

Sedonia Moulton

Wright Caribbean Cuisine

Sam’s Cane Juice

Calypso Island (Delicious Delights)

Sandra’s Pastries

Mal’s Kitchen & grill

Shawn Carpenter Flags n Tings

Shawn Hastings

Shawn Montique

Sherice Murray

A Taste to Savor

Glonos Intn’l Grocery Store

Lovincraftsncandles

Shevon Cox Carib Food

Solomon Anwar King’s Drinks

Sonal Thakker

Stacy Apple

Steven Budman

Therman Clarke

Henna Tattoos

Jerk Paradise

Lemon Heaven

YeamonJ.A

Thuoc Van Do Soft Ice Cream

Tishayna Black Redway

The Cool Down

Toshada Benjamin Simply Pretty Bundles

Ulysees Maribojoc

Vikram Gulati

Wes Mulder/Kate Cochrane

Winsome Thompson

Wojthelene Anglin

Yolanda Marshall

Mini Donuts & Co

2689081 Ontario Inc

Kona Ice

Nanalyn Jerk

Honey-Babe Caribbean Cuisine

Chalkboard Publishing

VOLUNTEERS

Aaron Miller

Abiola Layne

Adrian Sivarajan

Ahmyah Francis

Akhil James

Akpotowho Oma-Djebah

Alesha Brown

Alexandra Baldwin

Alexandria Balkissoon

Alhassien Mohammedali

Ali Ramana

Alice Bernard

Allana Clarke

Alysha Nyereyemhuka

Amanda Redhead

Amrutha Elanko

Amy Pham

Andrea Sewell

Andrena Crockett

Ann Dabideen

Anne-Marie Payne

Antoinette Headley

Aria Charles

Asana Khudabaksh

Aurea (Lynn) Morgan

Aya Kamil

Ayoub Bouzekria

Bernard Longsworth

Beverley Fiedler

Beverly Charles

Blechana Louis

Brendah Opati

Brittany Superville

C. Kim Vines

Candace Simpson

Carlos Medina

Carol-Ann Moore

Carolina Anselmo

Cassandra Superville

Cecilia Malcolm

Chanice Bastaldo

Chanique Hall

Chantelle Lewis-Walters

Charlene Thompson

Charlett Thompson-Morgan

Cheryl Benjamin

Cheryl Joseph

Cherylanne Higgins

Cheyanne Boyce

Cheyenne Bholla

Cheyenne Shamid

Chi Dubem

Chioma Chuwkueke

Chione Redhead

Chloe Holman

Clayburn Calvert

Clifford Briggs

Colette Bacchus

Colleen Bacchus

Cristine Khan

Cynthia Phillip

Dameon Halstead

Danesha Benjamin

Daniel Justus

Danielle Pitt

Dari Maharaj

Dave Dabideen

David Johnston

David Navo

Dawn Murray

Deanna Frank

Debby Beharry

Denis Odera

Denise Barrett

Denise Belgrove

Derek Fletcher

Derrill Sookram

Devon Corsinie

Dhinesh Kumar Mariappan

Diane Persad

Diane Persad

Diane Clarke

Diane Persad

Dina Malik

Dominic Ogato

Dominique Walker

Earl Sheppard

Earlene Taylor

Edward Kouril

Emmie Berry

Farin Dhali

Fatima Ali

Fiona Jiang

Francis Sausi

Gabby Elise

Gail Pinto

Geethika Ganeshkumar

Genna Goldman

Geoffrey Tharau

Gilbert Ombworo

Glen Grant

Grace Mwizero

Gracie Zhou

Greg L

Gregory Bernabe

Gurleen Kaur

Happiness Oirere

Hari Prasad Dhakal

Hariish Sivakumar

Heather Robinson

Heidi Dobson

Hinano Beekhoo

Homa Ideriah

Ilham Bedri Harri

Indra Deen

Isabel Titichoca

isha Dave

Isis Vernon

Jacob Arasa

Janaka Mohandiramge

Jaslyn McLean

Jasmin Sethi

Jasmine Jasani

JD Richard

Jean Flanders

Jeet Singh

Jen Shaw

Jennifer Lindsey

Jerusha Richards

Jessica Pariag

Jessica Wong

Joanne Babb

Jorge Rivera

Josephat Manyange

Joshua Brissett-Hasfal

Joy Brown

Joyce Odera

JP Larrier

Judith Pascall

Judy Austin

Julius Ogweyo

Kaaisha Holder

Kara King

Karen Holness

Kasandra Plamondon-Thompson

Katanya Martin

Kate Nguyen

Kathy Thomas

Kayaana Sivakumar

Keena Sweeney

Keiana Gittens-Griffith

Keisha John

Keith A Thomas

Kerry Thompson

Kerry-Kay Dennis

Kevin Chintaman

Kitana Gilliam

Kris Suren

Kriselda Charles

Kush Arora

Kymellia Mcdonald

Kyra Thompson

Kyra-Lee Fleming-Thompson

Lambert Philadelphia

Laura Cifuentes

Laura Rapeanu

Le Zhou

Leah Price

Leidy Lopez

Lisa Charles

Luxshia Balakumaran

Lystra Lewis-Bowls

M Mufeed

Maggie Chiyasa

Maisha Thomas

Makaydah Francis-Biggs

Malaika Tchouambou

Marcia Stevenson

Marcia Walcott

Marcia Scott

Marcus Badley-Castello

Mark Wells

Marline Price-Jones

Marlon Williams

Marsha Khoury

Mellissa Morgan

Merle Morgan

Michael Andrew

Michael Casey

Michael Jitman

Michelle Thompson

Michelle Thomas

Milan Reindorf

Miliyana Alexander

Moganathaas Vimalathasan

Mokeira Ogoti

Monica Stevenson

Morgan Blackman

Nadelle Lewis

Nadette Chambers-Luke

Nadia Elliston

Nadia Rajaram

Nadine Clarke

Naina Sureka

Nakeba Walker

Natalia El-hanna

Neil Vaz

Nicholas Morris

Nicole Nisbitt

Nicolette Wain-Lowe

Nimisha Mizan

Numbi Sede Emmanuel

O’Delia Phillips

Olesya Tapar

Olivia Thomas

Orion Dias

Patricia Joseph

Patricia Dixon

Patricia Joseph

Paul Junor

Paul Ramsammy

Paula Andrea Villa Arteta

Pauline Kikala

Payal Agrawal

Peter Kagiri

Petra M. Pompey

Pierre Hakizimana

Prakash Saraswat

Priscilla Bhagwat

Quitisha Pinnock

Rachael Odera

Radica Peters

Radikha Persaud

Randolph Bailey

Ranique Downer

Raquel Gordon

Rawle Borel Jr

Reem Dawoud

Renee Mitchell

Reshawn Brown

Reya Headley

Rhonda Webb

Rochalia Smith

Rockelle Samuel-Jack

Roderick Ramdial-Maharaj

Rose Kimuyu

Roxanne Charles

Ruth Wainaina

Ryan Ahonen

Sabeeha Hussain

Sakshi Srivastava

Sam Salama

Samantha Stewart

Sandra John

Sankirthana Dyapa

Sarah Veri

Sarah Channer-Smithson

Sarah Affonso

Sarah Veri

Sarroos Alavudeen

Savatri Green

Savina Surujpaul

Seannah Brooker

Selam Damcha

Selma Luke

Shacia Albertine

Shaeem Walters

Sharlene Phillips

Sharline Williams

Sharon Thompson

Shawn King

Shawna Bennett

Shays Fattahian

Shea Griffith

Sheldon Grant

Shemara Williams

Shernett Williams

Sherry Bahaw

Shubham Shubham

Shyanne Smith-Skyers

Shyvonne Lawrence

Simeon Agoso

Simone Campbell

Sophia Chambers

Stephanie McKenzie

Stephen Samuel

Steven Mckinnon

Subajini Jayasekaran

Syed Abdullah

Sylvia West

Sylvia Solomon

Tahlia Berkhof

Tameka Miller

Tani Ellis

Taresa Merchant-Cook

Taychanel Green

Teagan Edwards

Teena Dawson

Terry Woodley

Thandi Myers

Theresa Peters-Hosten

Thien Nguyen

Thomas Moragwa

Thomas Bodi

Tiffany Lai

Tommy Payong Logatsang

Tomy Shepherd

Tonia Griffith

Tonya Superville

Tori Wayne

Tressa Washington

Trevor Quammie

Valerie Seales

Vanessa Fung

Victoria Corion

Vishnu Sankarankutty

Vivian Leps

Vonnette Forde

Wayne Dawson

Xariell Forde

Xiomara Pena

Yanina Garcia

Yavi Seupaul

Yushan Tong

Zabrina Cush

Zaynah Sattaur

Zoe Zhou

Mischka Crichton, CEO

FMC TEAM

BOARD MEMBERS

Jennifer Hirlehey, Chair

Anne Marie Sutton, Secretary

Keith Anatol, Director

Terrence Wilson, Director

Louis Saldenah, Director

Henry Gomez, Director

OPERATIONS

Adrian Charles, Festival General Manager

Kerry Ann Cunningham, Office Manager

Yolande Luke, Office Administrator

Eric Delfish, Junior Carnival Administrator

Greta Davis, Junior Carnival

Shariza Bharat, Head Judge

Dawn Francois, VIP Manager

Fennella Bruce, Publicist

Neville Jeffers, Logistics

Brian Pierre, Branding and Design, Partnerships

Gail King, Marketplace

Faridan Baksh, Marketplace

Anthony Berot, IT/Photography

Bernadine Rambarran, Communications/ Young Learners Program

Michelle Lochan, BBEP

Stephen Spencer, Partnerships

Craigg Slowly, Partnerships

Kwesi Thomas, Procurement

Donnia Henry-Cotnam, Volunteer Manager

Christina Jeremiah, Band Liaison Lead/ Volunteer Coordinator

Sade Graham, Auto CAD Technician/Maps

Yvette Martin, Sponsorship Activation & Compliance Manager

MAGAZINE CREDITS

COVER MODEL Keanna Bell

COSTUME Dame Lorraine provided by Dance Carib Performing Company

DESIGNER Martin Scott-Pascal

PHOTOGRAPHER Anthony Berot

FACE OF THE FESTIVAL 2023 Keanna Bell

COSTUME SOKAH, courtesy of SugaCayne Mas

DESIGNER Candice Dixon

MAGAZINE STAFF

EDITING DIRECTOR Bernadine Rambarran

GRAPHIC DESIGN & LAYOUT Seventy Two Agency

PHOTOGRAPHY courtesy of Toronto Caribbean Carnival

CONTRIBUTORS

Anthony Berot, Henry Gomez, Ian Jones, Michelle Lochan, Masahda Lochan-Aristide

2023 Festival Guide is produced by the Festival Management Committee

716 Gordon Baker Road, Suite 201, North York, M2H 3B4

FMC Board of Directors and Staff wish to express unrelenting gratitude for your love and support of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival and the Community as a whole. All rights reserved.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FINANCIAL PART NERS

AND OUR SPONSORS SHEA BUTTER