Key Takeaways:
- The colours and attire of Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival serve as a metaphor for Natasha Pierre’s long-awaited release.
- John Tory, the mayor of Toronto, claims that the occasion significantly contributes to the city’s appeal as a multicultural and international society.
- The origin of the event can be traced to the parades commemorating emancipation and independence from slavery that were held throughout the Caribbean.
After years of epidemic restrictions and cancellations, Natasha Pierre views the hues and garb of Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival as a symbol of the long-awaited liberation she has been waiting for.
She told Global News, “The costumes symbolize liberation; this is freedom over two years of hard suffering.” “So let’s have another party.”
After a two-year absence, the costumes and activities from the Caribbean Carnival are returning to Lake Shore Boulevard West.
Thousands of revelers will attend the 2022 festival, the 55th of its kind. This summer has seen the return of several events, including Pride and The Taste of Little Italy.
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According to Toronto Mayor John Tory, the event plays a significant role in the city’s allure as a diverse and cosmopolitan community.
According to Tory, understanding each other’s backgrounds and appreciating everything that this city has to offer is crucial. “And I also hope people take away this is a great place to live,” she added.
The festival is a major tourist draw for Toronto, drawing visitors from all around North America to the city to celebrate its return.
It “means the world,” according to Felicia Williams. She traveled from Alabama to Toronto to attend her first Carnival, to once again be able to celebrate many races and cultures there.
Alexander Harold, a Nigerian, claimed he made the trip from Buffalo, New York, to Toronto because he had always heard about the city’s vibrant Caribbean community.
From 2 a.m. on Saturday to 8 a.m. on Sunday, streets in downtown Toronto will remain closed to traffic to accommodate the event.
Between Colborne Lodge Drive and Bathurst Street, Lake Shore Boulevard West is closed, as other north-south streets, the westbound Gardiner off-ramp, and Dunn and Jameson Avenues.
People line the parade route for miles, sitting on lawn chairs and eating food from street sellers as they wait to catch a peek of the glitzy costumes and parade floats.
The parades held throughout the Caribbean as a way to commemorate emancipation and freedom from slavery are where the event got its start.
This year, it is observed in Toronto on July 30, the weekend before Canada’s Emancipation Day.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh stated, “What the Caribbean community has given to Canada is remarkable.”
“This is a time to rejoice in that. It always has to do with emancipation. So, let’s celebrate our freedom while remembering our past, hardships, and the joy those struggles brought us. Let’s also celebrate what we currently have.
Source: Global News
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