August, 2005 - Nr. 8
The roots of Caribana
by Kenrick Bobb
In 1967 Canada was celebrating its Centennial and the Expo committee asked the West Indian community to make a contribution to Expo ‘67 in some form of cultural entertainment. A parade on Yonge St., Toronto, was the result.
This marked the birth of a cultural event that has withstood the test of time. The dream of ten spirited and ardent individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds but united by a common West Indian heritage formed the beginnings of Caribana. This dream carved the structure of a memorial of benevolence, a testimony of Caribbean culture and an affirmation of belonging to their adopted country, Canada. This group called their organization the Centennial Committee. On July 28, 1967, the group was formally called The Caribbean Committee for Cultural Advancement, later changed to the Caribbean Cultural Committee-Caribana on January 15, 1969.
Every year since then Canada plays host to Caribana - One of the world’s largest premier cultural festivals on show for the world to see. This world-renowned festival attracts approximately one million people annually to the shores of Lake Ontario, Toronto for an exotic 18-day Caribbean-Canadian Carnival experience.
Caribana follows the same form as Carnival; (a celebration held every year in Trinidad and Tobago, the birthplace of Carnival) it is a celebration of "freeing up the spirit." Carnival is a statement of the art form and takes place two days before Ash Wednesday in the Catholic calendar. Carnival, derived from the Latin word "carne" meaning meat, is a reflection of the pre Lenten eating, drinking and making merry before the fasting period of Lent.
Today, the spirit of Caribana continues to prosper. Each year, over one million masqueraders, spectators and patrons take part in the festival on Lake Shore Ave. transforming Toronto into a fusion of colour and a meeting and greeting place for many cultures.
Caribana 2005
Photos by Kenrick Bobb
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This dream has not been without its struggles. Caribana’s problems over the last 38 years are testimony to the painful learning experiences of a non-profit organization, attempting to manage one of Ontario’s main tourist attractions. The struggles, daunting as they seem, did not break the spirit that was the essence of Caribana. The survival and celebrated success of Caribana is the result of the tenacity of the Caribbean people who forged ahead, in spite of the pressing problems, so as to show the world their patriotism to their beloved West Indies.
The shape and form of the organization has changed considerably over the years. The festival became a continuing program over the years as opposed to a parade for a single event held in 1967.
Sponsorship began to play a key role in Caribana.
The enthusiasm that flowed from tourist boards, artists, airlines and local and West Indian governments aided the committee. Support came from all sides in the form of large donations, assistance and contributions. The festival prospered due to its success in obtaining aid from outside organizations and businesses.
However, problems lay ahead. In 1974, the organization was forced to appeal to the provincial government for assistance due to expenses that the committee could no longer handle on its own. The provincial government denied the request. For the next two years, loans were taken. The future of Caribana looked questionable. Perseverance played a major role over the following years and the spirit that embodied the essence of the beginnings of the dream pushed the committee to do all in their power to keep the same spirit alive.
Today, Caribana is a viable source of income for the tourism sector and generates in excess over $300 million (quoted from economist) for the Ontario economy. But this year there was again a struggle to meet all bills because of lack of funding, prompting Toronto Mayor David Miller to call on the Business sector to do their part because "they are the ones who profit the most" from this festival.
The future does looks bright and prosperous for Caribana as the committee continues to foster social, economic and cultural development of West Indian communities here in Canada.
Excerpts taken from Ambassador Magazine Canada’s premier Multicultural Magazine.
Kenrick Bobb is a photojournalist but when asked he will tell you "I am much more a photographer than a writer" he has worked for one of the top selling newspapers back in Trinidad and Tobago, (Trinidad Express) before moving to Canada to take on the position of President/CEO of Ambassador Magazine, now four years later with a little more time on his hands he is going back into what he loves the most photography. Last year he received an award from the Lt. Governor of Ontario Honourable James K. Bartleman and an award bestowed upon him by the National Ethnic Press of Canada for his work in Journalism, he has also received numerous awards from Community Living Mississauga over the years for his work and support of their programs, but his finest moment was a letter of commendation from the Baha’i Faith for his in-depth reporting of the story behind the faith. When you ask Kenrick he will tell you the best is yet to come. - SFR
