Caribbean Carnival going virtual for 2020

For the past 52 years, people from all over have made their way to Toronto to participate in the city’s annual Caribbean Carnival. A celebration of Caribbean art and culture, capped by an epic grand parade down Lakeshore Boulevard, this year’s event was expected to draw more than a million people. 

But not even COVID-19 can stop a party this big, and to keep everyone safe, celebrations have gone virtual. Throughout July, the festival has been hosting interviews, conversations, fitness classes, cooking lessons, challenges, and performances by international artists including Winston (Pappy) Frederick, Nikki Crosby, Salman Cupid, Roger Gibbs and many others online at torontocarnival.ca

Carnival is an important cornerstone of Caribbean culture, representing a direct link to pre-colonial African history, as well as more recent diasporic migrations. And it wouldn’t be Carnival without the masterfully crafted costumes worn by masqueraders, or those playing Mas, during the grande parade. 

So get your costume ready! The virtual edition of the grand parade begins August 1 at 9 am. Bonus: Register before July 31 to be eligible for best costume prizes.

Check out the Toronto Caribbean Carnival website for more information about this year’s parade and to see all online programs.

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