Our Story
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival (TCC) or Toronto Carnival, is a vibrant and dynamic celebration of Caribbean culture, heritage, and artistry. Now in its 57th year, the Carnival is one of the largest cultural festivals in North America, attracting millions of participants and spectators from around the world and contributing over half a billion dollars to the Toronto economy.
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival began in 1967 as "Caribana," a community-led initiative to celebrate Canada’s Centennial by showcasing Caribbean culture. The carnival is rooted in the desire to create spaces where the Caribbean diaspora can connect, express their cultural identities, create opportunities for financial success, and enhance their ability to thrive in Canada.
From its early days on Yonge Street, the carnival has expanded significantly, attracting international attention and participation. The inaugural Toronto Carnival parade took place in 1967. It was a groundbreaking event and a gift from the Caribbean community to Canada in honour of the country’s centennial. The original parade attracted 50,000 people, setting the stage for the future of the carnival, and laying the foundation for the massive cultural festival it is today.
The Caribana festival was eventually renamed “Toronto Caribbean Carnival” to better reflect the diversity of the Caribbean nations represented and to emphasize the carnival’s location, in keeping with international trends.
Today, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival features a series of events, including parades, music competitions, and cultural showcases, all highlighting the rich traditions of the Caribbean.
In 2022, a new leadership team assumed management of the carnival. The FMC focuses on not only showcasing the vibrancy of Caribbean culture through large-scale events like the Toronto Caribbean Carnival but also acts as a catalyst for economic empowerment, educational advancement, and social inclusion for racialized and marginalized communities.
Steelpan
Steelpan music in Canada has a rich history that is deeply intertwined with the Caribbean diaspora, particularly from Trinidad and Tobago, where the steelpan originated. Introduced in the 1950s, the steelpan became a vital symbol of cultural identity and community cohesion for many Caribbean Canadians. As the instrument gained popularity, Toronto saw the formation of several steelbands, including the influential Afropan, established in 1973 by Earl La Pierre Sr. Afropan became a cornerstone of the city's steelpan culture, regularly performing at events like the Toronto Caribbean Carnival's Pan Alive competition, which began in 1997.
The steelpan also found a home in Toronto's educational institutions. Beginning in the 1980s, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) incorporated the instrument into its music curriculum, fostering new generations of pannists. Today, over 30 schools in Ontario offer steelpan programs, and the TDSB Panfest provides students a platform to showcase their talents.
Organizations like the Ontario Steelpan Association and the Canadian Federation of Steelpan have played crucial roles in promoting and preserving steelpan music in Canada. These groups organize events, provide resources, and support the community through various initiatives.The steelpan in Toronto has not only preserved its traditional roots but has also evolved by incorporating urban genres like R&B and pop, reflecting the diverse influences of its new home while maintaining its Caribbean heritage.This cultural preservation and adaptation of steelpan music highlight its importance not only as a symbol of Caribbean heritage but also as a unique and integral part of Canada's diverse musical identity.
Calypso
Calypso music is a vibrant and rhythmic genre that originated in Trinidad and Tobago during the early 19th century. It evolved from the West African traditions brought to the Caribbean by enslaved Africans, who used this musical form to communicate, satirize social issues, and express political commentary. Originally performed in a call-and-response style, calypso was heavily influenced by French, Spanish, and Creole musical elements. The lyrics, often witty and filled with double entendres, address topical events and societal issues, making calypso a "poor man's newspaper" in times of limited literacy. As it evolved Calypso has spawned many subgenres, including soca mento, benna, spouge, ska, chutney, and extempo. Calypso has been part of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival since 1967.
The first commercial recordings of Calypso occurred in the 1920s and 30s in Trinidad when the calypso monarch competition also emerged.
Until the emergence of Calypso Rose in the mid-1960s, the genre had been dominated by men, despite a long tradition of female chantwells. Calypso Rose’s success in the 1970s culminated in her becoming the first woman Calypso Monarch. The artform was nurtured in Canada first by the Calypso Association of Canada and now The Organization of Calypso Performing Artists (OCPA) which is a registered non-profit arts organization founded in 1981 to guide the growth and development of calypso in Toronto and Canada.