2023 Festival Guide

2023 ROUTE MAP

F E S T I VA L G U I D E

2023 EVENTS

VISITOR INFORMATION

VENDOR LIST

+ MORE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS BEYOND THE MAS

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EVENTS

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FACE OF THE FESTIVAL

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MAS CAMPS

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THE BUILDING BLACK

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ENTREPRENEURS PROGRAM GRAND PARADE ROUTE MAP

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HOW THE FESTIVAL EXEMPLIFIES

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DIVERSITY WITHIN TORONTO ORDER OF THE MAS BANDS

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UNVEILING THE ROOTS:

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EXPLORING THE ORIGINS OF THE TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL THE HISTO RY OF PAN

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AND OSA IN TORONTO OCPA AND CALYPSO

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IN TORONTO VISITOR INFORMATION

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VENDOR LIST

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VOLUNTEERS

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CREDITS

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Premier of Ontario - Premier ministre de l’Ontario

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

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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

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR 100 QUEEN STREET WEST, TORONTO, ONTARIO, M5H 2N2

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beyond

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.

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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

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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

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CARNIVAL OFFICIAL LAUNCH

JUNIOR KING & QUEEN SHOWCASE

J U LY 1 1 | 11:0 0 AM - 8:0 0 PM NAT HA N PH ILLIPS SQUAR E

JU LY 16 | 2 : 0 0 P M - 8:00PM SC A R B O ROU G H TOW N C E N T R E

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 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!

JUNIOR CARNIVAL PARADE

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.

J U LY 2 2 | 11:0 0 AM - 8:0 0 PM M A LVE R N COM MUN ITY C EN T R E & NE ILS ON PARK

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

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OCPA CALYPSO COMPETITION JU LY 30 | 5 : 3 0P M L AT V I A N C U LT U R AL C E N T R E

KING & QUEEN SHOWCASE AU GUS T 3 | 7:0 0 PM – 12: 0 0 A M LA MPORT 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 AU GU ST 5 | 8 : 00AM – 8 : 00 P M 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 AU GU ST 6 | 2 : 00P M – 8 : 00P M MA LV ER N PAR K / R E C C E N T R E

“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 AU GU ST 6 | 2 : 00P M MA LV ER N PAR K / R E C C E N T R E

PAN ALIVE PANORAMA AU GUS T 4 | 7:0 0 PM – 12: 0 0 A M LA MPORT 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.

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

FACE OF THE

FESTIVAL MOD E L Keyanna Bell C OSTUM E Martin Scott-Pascal PHOTOG RAPH Y Anthony Berot AS S I STAN TS Bernadine Rambarran / Angela Pierre

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.

ABO U T DAM E L O R R AI N E

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.

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MAS CAMPS

E . P. I . C .

C A R N I VA L

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

L AV WAY M A S 72 Dynamic Dr., Unit 10, Scarborough, ON M1V 3Z5

SA L DA N E H M A S K- C L U B

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

C A R N I VA L N AT I O N S

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

SUNLIME

73595 St. Clair Ave. E., Bldg.

B, Scarborough, ON M1K 1L8

FREEDOM MAS

TORONTO REVELLERS

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

COSTUME C R E AT O R S

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

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

LUX C A R N I VA L

TR I BAL C A R N I VA L

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

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

FA N TA Z I A

S U G A C AY N E

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

130 Yorkland Blvd., Toronto, ON M2J 1R5

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THE

BUILDING B L AC K ENT RE PREN E U RS P R OGR AM

MIC HE L L E LOC HAN G E N E RAL 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.

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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 E NG AGING T HE NEX T GE NE RA T ION 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.

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F I E L D H O S P I TA L CHILD LOST AREA

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Toronto caribbean carnival

How the festival exempliFIfies diversity within Toronto MASAH DA LOC HAN - ARI STIDE

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 20

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.

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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 Parade Band of the Year competition.

GRAND P A R A D E D AY On Grand Parade Day, there will be two assembly areas: Assembly Area #1: STAGE Assembly Area #2: ROAD

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U NVE I L I NG T HE R OOTS :

EXPLOR ING T HE OR IG I NS OF T HE TO RONTO CARIB B EAN CAR N I VAL He nry Go me z

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.

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T HE HI STO RY OF

PAN AN D O SA I N TO R O N TO Ia n J o ne s

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.

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O CPA AN D CALYP SO I N TO R O N TO He nry Go me z

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.

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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

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WHEN WE PLAY TOGETHER, WE WIN TOGETHER!

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

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

LAN GU A GE S — In addition to the two official languages of English and French, the top 5 languages are Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog, Spanish, and Tamil CURREN CY — 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 S A LES TA X — There is a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 13% on most purchases of goods and services in Ontario T I PPING — 15-20% is the standard amount for tipping in Toronto. *Note that some establishments may automatically add a tip for serving large groups PUBLIC TR A N S P OR T AT I ON 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

2SLG B TQ + V I S I T OR S — 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 36

PROUD PARTNER OF TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL

T ORON T O

F OO T B A L L

CL UB

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vendor list VENDOR Abena Mcrae

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BO OT H NAM E

Ohema Jewellery & Accessories

Aileen Thorne

Trendy

Aileen Thorne

Trendys

Alaeddine Jabri

The Mighty Cob

Alicia Scott

Ah Taste of Jamaica

Alverna Dubry

A&C Hot Pepper Jamaican Restaurant

Amanda Courtney

Tell Miss Courtney

Anchunette Archer

Anchus caribbean Hut

Andrae Cooke

Vitalife Vegan

Andre Peynado

Drayscakezw

Antoinette Charles-Owen

Nah Joke Gourmet Hot PepperSauce

Antovin Aries

The Diners Corner

Asha McAlmont

Colorful Skins

Chearica Peters

Shaynelz

Claudia Blades

Hydrate

Claudine Ricketts

Worldwide Souvenir Mart

Collette Cummings

Kountry Kitchen

Collette Sancho/Joan Samuels

Strictly Roots and Culture

Craig & Carla Dhu

Snowcone

Daniel Martin

Bobby Smokes

Daniel Rajanayagam

Honeypot

Denise St. Ange

Jordavelles Desserts

Deniz Telli

Sugar Cne Juice

Denry George

Caribbean Flavah Food

Deon King

Kings Catering

Dixie Ann King

Bake & Friends

Eddy Soekor

Indomie

Edul Rahaman

Roast Corn Express

Eileen Knight

Eileen Knight

Elaine Amsterdam

Toronto Community Crisis Center

Emanuel Katnelson

Tropic Love Concession

Emily McBride

Neo Financial

Erica London

Colour Their World

Faith Hatchett

Jessies Centre

Grace Foods

Grace Foods

Hanneson Suy

Meat on a Stick

Huimin Zhou

C&J Mama’s De Boutique

Huzaifah Bhaiyat

Royal Juice

Indy Charles

Strut Caribbean

Jeannette Brefoe

Heart_TeaseCatering

Joanne Anderson

Sunshine Smoothies

John Chow/Alice Chen

Yummys

Joycelyn David

Food for the Poor

Kadeon Watts

Dat it is Jerk Fest

Karen Brown

Fruit Grenade

VENDOR Kevin Cezario

BO OT H NAM E Moruga Soup & Ting

Kevin Pariag

Revel Poptails

Kim Murrell

CIBC-CBEN

Krystle Dickson

Manifest Bookstore

Kurt Dawson

Corn Soup Man

Lenora Lashley

Purple Passion

Leo Brummell

Leon Carnival and Fairs

Leon Miller

Sunset Hut

Madeline Nwokeji

Lala Skin Essentials

Mark Powell

Miracles are Possible

Martel Murray

Papa G’s Kitchen

Mary Louise Alleyne

Lulu’s

Melanie Linton

Melo’s Kitchen

Michelle Ballestin

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

Wright Caribbean Cuisine

Sam Salama

Sam’s Cane Juice

Sandra Persad

Calypso Island (Delicious Delights)

Sandra Pierre

Sandra’s Pastries

Sedonia Moulton

Mal’s Kitchen & grill

Shawn Carpenter

Flags n Tings

Shawn Hastings

A Taste to Savor

Shawn Montique

Glonos Intn’l Grocery Store

Sherice Murray

Lovincraftsncandles

Shevon Cox

Carib Food

Solomon Anwar

King’s Drinks

Sonal Thakker

Henna Tattoos

Stacy Apple

Jerk Paradise

Steven Budman

Lemon Heaven

Therman Clarke

YeamonJ.A

Thuoc Van Do

Soft Ice Cream

Tishayna Black Redway

The Cool Down

Toshada Benjamin

Simply Pretty Bundles

Ulysees Maribojoc

Mini Donuts & Co

Vikram Gulati

2689081 Ontario Inc

Wes Mulder/Kate Cochrane

Kona Ice

Winsome Thompson

Nanalyn Jerk

Wojthelene Anglin

Honey-Babe Caribbean Cuisine

Yolanda Marshall

Chalkboard Publishing

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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

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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

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FMC TEAM BOA R D MEMBER S Jennifer Hirlehey, Chair Anne Marie Sutton, Secretary Keith Anatol, Director Terrence Wilson, Director Louis Saldenah, Director Henry Gomez, Director

OP ER A TI ON S Mischka Crichton, CEO 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 C OVER MODEL Keanna Bell

C O STU M E Dame Lorraine provided by Dance Carib Performing Company D E SIGNER Martin Scott-Pascal

P HOTOGR AP HER Anthony Berot FACE OF TH E FEST IVAL 2 023 Keanna Bell C O STU M E SOKAH, courtesy of SugaCayne Mas D E SIGNER Candice Dixon

MA G A Z I N E STA F F E D I TI NG DI R ECTOR Bernadine Rambarran G R AP HIC DES IGN & LAYOUT Seventy Two Agency P HOTOGR AP HY courtesy of Toronto Caribbean Carnival C O NTR I BU TORS

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.

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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR FINANCIAL PART NERS

AND OUR SPONSORS

SHEA BUTTER

T ORONT OCAR NI VAL.CA 44