Recap of Edmonton's Cheerful Caribbean Arts Event
In the heart of Edmonton, Sir Winston Churchill Square came alive this year with the vibrant sounds, colours, and flavours of the Caribbean, as the Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival returned for its 41st edition.
Founded in 1984 by the Western Carnival Development Association (WCDA), the festival has grown from a small community parade attended by about 100 people to a major annual event that attracts tens of thousands.
The festival's main attraction, the Parade of Costumes, has evolved significantly over the years. Starting on Grierson Hill, it has grown into a lively, colourful spectacle of costumes and choreography representing various Caribbean nations. This year, the parade was particularly popular on Saturday, with a significant increase in attendance compared to previous years.
Anna Maria Edwards, the organizer of the Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival, expressed her joy in providing a great atmosphere for attendees. She reminisced about the early days of the festival, when it was a local gathering, and spoke about the festival's growth and success over the past four decades.
The three-day event featured a lineup of DJs, live music, including calypso and soca, food trucks, market vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and workshops. The theme of the festival this year was 'good vibes only', and Anna Maria Edwards aimed to ensure that attendees felt colour and fun throughout the festivities.
Despite the gloomy weather, the final celebrations of the festival were held as scheduled. Anna Maria Edwards expressed her satisfaction with the successful wrap-up of the event, which served as a cultural bridge and highlighted the contributions of Caribbean Canadians.
The Cariwest Caribbean Arts Festival is more than just a celebration of Caribbean culture; it's a testament to the power of community, diversity, and inclusivity in Canada. As it continues to expand its programming and reach, the festival aims to pass on the Caribbean cultural legacy to future generations and foster a joyful, inclusive atmosphere.
References:
- Edmonton Journal
- CTV News Edmonton
- Global News
- CBC Edmonton
- City of Edmonton
The festival's diverse offerings extended beyond the Parade of Costumes, including a variety of DJs, live music, such as calypso and soca, food trucks, market vendors, arts and crafts vendors, and workshops – all part of the 'good vibes only' theme that brought an influx of vibrant energy into Home-and-garden events across Edmonton this year. In light of the success and cultural significance, news outlets like the Edmonton Journal, CTV News Edmonton, Global News, CBC Edmonton, and even the City of Edmonton, have praised the festival for showcasing the resilient Lifestyle of Caribbean Canadians and promoting unity within the community.
