For me carnival is so much more than a parade. I mean yes, there are floats, music, and people dancing along vendor-lined streets. But if you’ve ever been to carnival in Toronto, otherwise known as Caribana, you know it’s so much bigger than just a parade.
It’s expression through dance, music, food, and artistry.
It’s connection to culture, to the diaspora—a space where joy and laughter is exchanged.
It’s community in the sense that no matter who you are or what you represent there’s a place for you here.
On August 3 2023, we saw the second staging of the event after it temporarily ceased because of the pandemic. As millions prepared to flood the streets for North America’s largest carnival, I couldn’t help but hit my own archives and reflect. It reminded me of everything I love most about carnival and my city.
