Friday, July 29, 2005

CARIBANA 2K5: Saturday Parade

cK at Toronto's Biggest Summer Event!

The event draws more than a million people each year as thousands come from all over the world to participate in the Caribana parade and festival. This year, like every year, I trekked back to Toronto for this annual event. I meet up with old pals and family to party and enjoy the great music.

Each year, I usually follow the same formula. Friday night go to a jam. Saturday, parade in the day and club at night. Sunday is the chill day but then jam at a party at night. Monday is always the Toronto Islands.

This year it was different. My usual nWo Toronto Caribana partner, n8 Dogg was unavailable to join me due to a commitment to be in a wedding. So this year my cousins, Ron and Jazmine joined me.

Jazmine and I went to the New York Labor Day Carnival together back in 2003.

It wasn't quite the same without my "jump-up" buddy.. but it was still good. Here are some pics that Jazmine took and some from my camera phone:



There is a lot of good press and bad press about the Caribana Festival, but nobody can't deny that it is the biggest draw for tourism in Toronto. Every single hotel room is booked in the city and everyone is out having a great time. The police presence at Caribana was well felt, but they were all there having a good time as well. It was so nice to see police officers jumping in and getting a dance. The police I happened to see were all patrolling sternly, but still walking with a smile. They were very approachable and polite.

In my opinion, the best float that had the best costumes and music was the FLOW 93.5FM / Callaloo truck. The costumes and masqerade stuff were unbelievble. My friend, Shelley was part of the the Callaloo camp but I didn't see her in the crowd. That is kinda hard because Shelley makes sure she stands out.

The weather was absolutely perfect. It was hot, sunny and just right. Especially since the parade goes along the Toronto lakeshore, bringing that cool breeze.




...and the Caribana Parade is over -- now onto the after parties!