Caribana Flags & Colours Festival 2013

It was a perfect day for the Caribana Flags & Colours Children and Youth festival parade. There were more masqueraders in this, it's second year, and more spectators along Jane Street. The children congregated at Driftwood Community Centre to begin at 1:00, and ended up at Yorkgate Mall where entertainment, games, and food awaited them. Very nice costumes, and it's wonderful to see it grow bigger and remain in the Jane/Finch community.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caribana flags and colours kiddies festival Today

Come out and support the children, they aren't involved in the politics

It's officially here!

Ravi B. performing at the official launch

Well it's official, officially Caribana - Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival festival season that is. Last night's major downpour and flooding of much of the city left today looking gray and threatening, but the rain stayed away so the launch could happen successfully.

 

 Pan Man Pat singing a tribute song for Charles Roach 

 

 

 Socacize demo 

 

After all the speeches (and there were {too} many), models from many mas bands showcased their costumes, giving the public a taste of what's in store for the parade on August 3. 

 

 

 

 

 

I like the new covered stage at the Square, it worked well to have the models displaying the costumes on the steps as a backdrop. Ravi B.'s appearance was great, he really got the crowd wining & singing along. I'm sure the crowd would agree with me that we'd appreciate more performances, less talking, but I know, politics.
Anyway, the costumes look fantastic, does seeing them get you ready, ready, ready..... ready for de road!?

Order of the bands has been announced:
Connections
Blues Carnival Fusion
Fantazia
Saldenah
Carnival Nationz
Toronto Revellers
Tribal Carnival
Concept Creations
Black Sage
Mas Toronto
Carnival Revolution
D'Regulars

What Happened to CARIBANA™

Junior Carnival media launch 2013

 The kids came out today at Downsview Park to give us a sneak look at what we'll be seeing on July 20th. From the colourful costumes seen paraded around this perfect afternoon, this year will be quite a treat for masqueraders and spectators. Fun, beautiful, vibrant costumes have been designed, giving the juniors big headpieces, capes and wings with their mas.

 

 St. Jamestown Youth Centre Steel Orchestra playing the National Anthem.

 

 Masada giving us a great performance of her song Loving the Vibes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Carnival Nationz, Louis Saldenah, Toronto Revellers, Fantazia, Blues Carnival Fusion and Carnival Revolution presented costumes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jaeden singing I Love School, a very clever well composed Calypso. I hope we'll be seeing much more of this talented guy in the future.

The route has changed to a shorter one, starting east of Keele and Sheppard West, crossing over the William Baker Park bridge, then entering the park and ending on Carl Hall Road where the family party will be. 2,000+ kids are said to be parading in their mas. 

Organizer Eric Delfish said "Last year was our first year at Downsview, and we had some challenges along the route. Based on what happened last year, and knowing already we are going to have more children in 2013, we have tightened up the route to improve the flow of the parade and provide better viewing for spectators." 

The parade will begin at 11:00, and the family party is from 3 - 6. 

New this year will be young Calypsonians between the ages of  8 - 18 performing on stage at the post parade family day. There will also be a Junior Steelband Showcase. 

General Motors Canada, returning as a corporate sponsor, promised some new activities for the children, including headpiece decoration and face & body paint.