42ND SCOTIABANK CARIBANA FESTIVAL
It began as the Toronto Caribbean community's salute to Canada's Centennial year. Now in its second millennium, its fifth decade and its 42nd year, the Scotiabank Caribana Festival is one of North America's greatest celebrations, attracting an estimated million participants annually. Rooted in Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, it has become an international festival where you might experience Jamaican reggae, Brazilian samba or African djembe rhythms alongside Latin salsa, Haitian zouk or urban sounds, all blended with calypso and soca vibes.
Calypso Tents Music Series
Location: Various
Date: June 06 - June 05, 2009
This is an exciting annual showcase of Canada's best Calypso and Soca original music for the Caribana Festival. The series runs three nights each week (Friday Sunday) at various venues in Toronto, each night featuring a different cast of singers and 'live' bands performing Calypso in its best storytelling tradition: social and political commentary, humor and wit.
Official Launch
Location: Nathon Phillips Square, City Hall
Dates: Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Timings: Noon - 2:00pm
This official ceremony launches the activities for the 2009 Scotiabank Caribana Festival Season. Patrons can meet and mingle with Federal, Provincial and Municipal officials, Caribana representatives and sponsors while sampling Caribbean and international cuisine. It is a snapshot of what's in store over the coming weeks.
Junior Carnival
Location: Yorkgate Mall
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2009
Timings: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Junior Carnival provides festival-goers and the surrounding community the opportunity to experience the thrills and joys as young masqueraders participate in their early festival years
Calypso Monarch Finals
Location: Queen Elizabeth Theatre, CNE
Date:Saturday, July 18, 2009
Timings: 7:00pm - 12:00am
This is where the Calypso Monarch is crowned. Come and see the best and biggest Canadian Calypsonians battle for the crown. From the topical to the lyrical, the sweet Soca rhythms will lift you out of your seat and get you moving.
Art Exhibition
Location: Royal Ontario Museum
Date: Thursday, July 23 - Monday, Aug 3, 2009
An intriguing collection of 50 works that have been influenced by our journey.
Scotiabank Caribana Gala
Location: Liberty Grand - Exhibition Place
Date: Friday, July 24, 2009
Timings:6:30pm
On the Thursday evening before the Scotiabank Caribana Parade, the Kings and Queens of the Bands meet to do battle. Like peacocks they will primp and preen, eliciting "oohs" and "aahs" from the audience. It is an honour for any participant to be enthroned the King or Queen of Scotiabank Caribana 2009.
Pan Alive
Location: Lampart Stadium
Date: Friday, July 31, 2009
Timings: 7:00 pm - Midnight
A thrilling evening showcasing the musical and tonal qualities of the steelpan as members of the Ontario Steelband Association compete before a panel of judges.
Scotiabank Caribana Parade
Location: Exhibition Place (Lake Shore Blvd)
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2009
Timings: 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
This showcase event features an incredible display of colour and pageantry, commencing at Exhibition Place and proceeding west along Lake Shore Boulevard. Exhibition Place and Lake Shore Boulevard will come alive with the sights and sounds of Carnival!
De Scotiabank Caribana Lime
Location: Olympic Island
Date: Sunday, August 2, 2009
Timings: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
This event features a full day of performances from a variety of artistes, highlighting the diverse cultures of all the Caribbean people.
