The August long weekend will continue to have the Grand Parade of beautiful costumes and music of the islands as Caribana becomes the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival. The three week festival starts in mid July and explores Caribbean music and food as well as being a great time to have fun and enjoy the sights.
The Festival Management Committee says "The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival (STCC) will be back in July with the same line up of events featuring the Toronto Mas Band Association (TMBA), the Organization of Calypso Performing Artistes and the Pannists, as well as an array of new programming leading up to the Parade on July 31st.
"This is the 44th year for the Parade, and all of the participants are preparing for another major turnout of attendees this summer," said Denise HererraJackson, CEO of the FMC. "Rebranding ourselves as the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival allows us to move forward with an exciting program that will appeal to members of the community of all ages."
Here is the schedule of events for 2011.
Junior Carnival Official Media Launch - July 5 at Yorkgate Mall.
Festival Official Launch - July 12 at Metro Toronto City Hall's Pecaut Square (Noon). The kickoff featuring costumes and entertainment.
GTAA Launch - July 15 at Pearson Airport.
Citizenship Ceremony - July 27 at the North York Civic Centre.
Carnival Art - July 14 to July 31 - Costume displays and photography.
Junior Carnival - July 16 Marquee parade at Yorkgate Plaza.
CTV/CP24 BBQ - July 21 a lunchtime BBQ at 299 Queen St West.
Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Gala- July 22 at the Liberty Grand in the CNE Grounds.
Calypso Monarch - July 23 competition for the crown at the 5183 Sheppard Ave East.
King and Queen Competition and Show - July 28 at Allan Lamport Stadium. Masqueraders compete in amazing and incredibly large costumes.
Pan Alive - July 29 at Allan Lamport Stadium. Steel pan performers perform original music.
Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade - July 30 starting at Exhibition Place from 10am to 6pm. The parade is 3.5km along Lakeshore Boulevard and is free outside review areas.
Grace Tropical Rhythm Food Festival - Islands Come to the Islands at Ontario Place - July 31 and August 1. All Day Events.
