We’re winding (or whining) up to the big parade this weekend! The Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival has the city dancing to the wave of Calypso and Soca music! It’s the most perfect time of year to enjoy a taste of the islands in the city !
Here are some tips to enjoy the parade day!
1. Dress lightly and comfortably! You can’t help but move to the amazing music from DJs and steelpans! And don’t forget to wear your sunscreen! The forecast is looking like it’s going to be a perfect day for a parade!
2. Go with an empty stomach! Eat your way along the parade route and enjoy some favourites from sour sop ice cream to jerk chicken and festival dumplings! Take in some curried goat with peas and rice! There is always plenty of foods to fill up with!
3. Hydrate! Since you’ll be dancing away you’ll want to keep your water bottles handy but don’t fret! Vendors are happy to help you with a Ting or Kola Champagne!
4. Timing! Bring your patience! It’s a celebration that will last hours. I tend to go closer to lunch time and stay maybe for three hours. You may just see a few floats as this is a slow moving parade but have some fun and leave your worries behind!
Photo Courtesy of Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto
5. Smile! It’s a happy time in our city as we host one of the largest Caribbean festivals in the world. People come from all over the US and the islands to celebrate and you’ll see multi-generational families party together! It’s a beautiful sight!
If you haven’t been you’ll want to check out the many incredible costumes during the parade that crawls along the lakeshore. The “Mas Bands” work all year on their themes and costumes to claim the crowning glory of titles such as the Junior King and Queen, King and Queen, and Mas Band of the year.
I’ll be at the King and Queen Competition at Allan Lamport Stadium tonight. If you love steel pan music you may also want to check out Pan Alive – an evening competition of some of the best pan musicians of all ages. Watch out for my friend Hameed Shaqq (aka the Pan Piper). He’s sure to be there!
There are numerous free and paid events. Please visit the official website for full listings to the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival here at torontocaribbeancarnival.com
Now who’s ready to party?
Okay, and if you don’t know..”whining” is the dance you’ll want to learn before you go. *winks*
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