Caribana Arts Group - Celebrating Caribbean Culture & Freedom

About Us

OUR STORY

Journey through decades of cultural celebration, community building, and Caribbean excellence in Canada

1967

THE BEGINNING

Caribana Arts Group was founded as a cultural gift from the Caribbean-Canadian community to the nation on Canada's 100th anniversary. This marked the beginning of what would become a leading symbol of Emancipation traditions in Canada.

Cultural Gift Canada's Centennial

HERITAGE

GUARDIANS OF TRADITION

As custodians of Caribana's history and legacy, we dedicate ourselves to supporting the education, preservation and growth of carnival arts developed through the struggle for human rights and black liberation.

Preservation Education

2021

OFFICIAL RECOGNITION

Emancipation Day was nationally recognized and celebrated as a federal holiday in Canada for the first time in its history, marking a significant milestone in our ongoing journey.

Federal Holiday Recognition

FUTURE

CONTINUING LEGACY

We continue to celebrate freedom through the arts and work towards the advancement of the Caribbean and Black communities in Canada, building bridges for future generations.

Community Growth Future Leaders

CARIBANA IS A CELEBRATION OF EMANCIPATION

Celebrating Freedom Is We Ting

Cultural Celebration

Carnival is a colourful and eclectic celebration of culture, heritage and tradition deeply connected to the abolition of slavery.

Historical Significance

Recognizing the cultural and historical significance of this milestone in our ongoing journey toward freedom and equality.

58

Years of Excellence

1967

Founded

∞

Cultural Impact

🇨🇦

National Recognition

Our Foundation

MISSION & VISION

Driving our purpose through clear direction and unwavering commitment to Caribbean excellence.

MISSION

Our mission is to promote, develop and collaboratively showcase the full richness of Caribbean arts and culture

Promote Caribbean arts excellence

Develop cultural programs

Showcase cultural richness

VISION

To be the leading organization facilitating the advancement of Caribbean and Black communities in Canada

Lead community advancement

Facilitate cultural growth

Empower Black communities

OUR WORKING MISSION

To achieve the highest artistic standards and professionalism in the presentation of the multiple disciplines of the carnival arts of the Caribbean and the Americas through comprehensive educational and development programs.

Excellence in Progress

OUR MANDATE

Two of the original objectives of the founders were to first, create a scholarship fund for our youth and second, to build a Cultural Centre. The Caribana Arts Group is redefining these objectives, among others, as priorities for the organization and for community development.

1967

Founded

58

Years Strong

Ready to Join Our Mission?

Together, we can continue building bridges through Caribbean culture and celebrating our shared heritage.

Learn About Our Purpose →

Our Core

PURPOSE, PROSPECT & VALUES

Established in 1967, Caribana Arts Group is a symbolic community-interest organization dedicated to celebrating, promoting, and developing Caribbean arts and culture in its full diversity through music, dance, theatre, culinary, fine arts and crafts, steelpan and the art of Carnival masquerade.

We are writing the next chapter of our history at Caribana Arts Group. Just as the principles of Sankofa provide guidance and empowerment, our joint Purpose, Prospect, and Values, serve as the organization's 'North Star', symbolizing freedom, inspiration and promise as we carry out our collective course.

Community Benefit, Culture and Caribbean Unity are at the center of everything we do.

OUR PURPOSE

MANY VOICES, ONE CARIBANA

We are Artists

We are Mas Makers

We are Calypsonians

We are Pan Players

We are Performing Art

We are Caribana

We are the many voices and hands of the Caribbean community that helped to build a world-class festival, the economic growth of Toronto and multiculturalism in the nation. Now in its 55th year, the Caribbean community's contribution to Canada remains a living legacy still rooted in heritage, volunteerism, and a profound love of the culture.

Caribana Arts Group understands and believes that it is essential to carry out responsible stakeholder engagement and advocacy to promote Caribbean Culture, Excellence in Carnival Arts and Community Upliftment. – This is our Purpose.

PROSPECT

ONE CARIBBEAN, ONE CARIBANA

We are Culture

We are Community

We are Carnival Arts

We stand for Caribbean Unity

We are Caribana

Our belief in fulfilling our objectives is a solid declaration of what we aspire to do. It is our call to action as a talented and vibrant community to come together in unity, in committing ourselves to the concept of growth, sustainability and ensuring development that meets the needs of the community and preserves the culture for future generations.

Unlocking the power in Caribbean Unity, – This is our Prospect.

Caribana is more than a festival. It embodies the Caribbean Community of Toronto and is also a symbol of the significant contributions that Caribbean & Black communities have made to build and evolve in Canada. Caribana is a reflection of the resilience of our people and our heritage born out of slavery and colonialism.

It's a Caribbean Remembrance Day, where our moment of silence overflows into the streets in creative expression all in memory of the struggles endured, the trials at present and yet to come. A teaching tool for the young and a tribute to those lost in the fight for freedom.

Emancipation. Black Liberation. Caribana.

We stand for Culture, We stand for CommUNITY, We stand in our name, Caribana.

Caribana is ME

Caribana is YOU

Caribana is We

#is WE Ting

#WeAreCaribana

Next Generation

CARIBANA KIDS CLUB

Where Culture Comes Alive for Young Minds

Led by the Caribana Arts Group, this hands-on program brings the rich traditions of African and Caribbean Carnival into camps, schools, and community spaces. Kids don't just learn about Carnival—they live it.

LEARN MORE HOST A WORKSHOP

FEATURED