Prime Minister Justin Trudeau helped kick off a major parade of costumed youth on Saturday as part of Toronto’s Caribbean Carnival.
Trudeau greeted the crowds at the opening ceremony of the Kiddies for Mas: Junior Carnival parade. Around 2,000 youngsters aged two to 16 took part in the event, which started at Malvern Community Centre.
12 Mass bands participated in the parade. Toronto Mayor John Tory and Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson were there. Children dressed in bright costumes paraded through the streets of Scarborough.
There was an array of bright colors, large feathers, shiny beads and lots of sequins. Some of the costumes depicting scenes from the Caribbean diaspora were majestic in scope.
Trudeau told the crowd the event was a celebration of Canada’s Caribbean community and said young people dressed in costume Saturday joined the event.
“Thank you to the young people who are out celebrating, showing how happy we all are to be reunited in person,” Trudeau said.
“Today is about them, coming out, celebrating this extraordinary community.”
Trudeau noted that this is the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Toronto that the parade has been held.
“The last two years have been difficult times,” Trudeau said.
“We’ve seen a rise in anti-black racism and bigotry that is linked to so many of the challenges people face, and on a day like this we need to remember what it’s like to be Canadian.”
Many young children participated in the Kiddies for Mas: Junior Carnival parade on Saturday. (Chris Mulligan/CBC)
Laverne Garcia, executive chairman of the festival’s management committee, said the day was a celebration of Caribbean history and culture. The committee produces the Toronto Caribbean Carnival and Kiddies for Mas.
“What we’re doing is we’re celebrating the next generation of masqueraders who will lead carnival into the future,” she said.
“The roots are in emancipation. It’s about freedom and diversity. For children especially, it’s an opportunity to celebrate who they are and where they came from. It also shows them a way to integrate and learn about their history and culture. “
She previously said the committee was “so excited” to be able to stage the parade this year.
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The mayor says the parade is for the kids
On that side, Tori said the event is for the kids and is a way to help them build confidence.
“It’s about making sure everyone is included, that they feel included, and that we’re also included in this great celebration,” Tori said. “Congratulations to the children. They look fantastic. They are excited. It’s all about them. Let’s get on with this parade. Let’s jump in and have a great kids carnival.”
Thompson, who represents Scarborough Centre, said more opportunities were needed for children who dress up on Saturdays.
“We must ensure that we prepare a bright future for our next generation,” he said on Twitter.
Two participants display wings of purple and white feathers. (Chris Mulligan/CBC)
After the speeches, the masqueraders headed west on McLevin Avenue and north on Neilson Road to Neilson Park. This year, the 12 junior groups will compete for the Junior Group of the Year title.
The parade leads up to the Grand Toronto Caribbean Carnival Parade on July 30.
On its website, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival says, “This Caribbean tradition of parading through the streets was founded in honor of freedom and emancipation from slavery and is appropriately celebrated on what is recognized by the Canadian government as Emancipation Day weekend.”
(Chris Mulligan/CBC) (Chris Mulligan/CBC) (Chris Mulligan/CBC) (Chris Mulligan/CBC)
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