Prime Minister Justin Trudeau helped kick off a grand parade of young people in costume on Saturday as part of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.
Trudeau greeted the crowd at the opening ceremony of Kiddies for Mas: Junior Carnival. About 2,000 young people, aged two to 16, took part in the event, which began at the Malvern Community Center.
The parade had 12 farmhouse bands. There were the Mayor of Toronto, John Tory, and the Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson. The children, in vibrant costumes, paraded through the streets of Scarborough.
There was a wide variety of bright colors, large feathers, bright pearls and lots of sequins. Some of the costumes, which depicted scenes from the Caribbean diaspora, were majestic in scope.
Trudeau told the crowd that the event is a celebration of Canada’s Caribbean community and said the young people in costume on Saturday approached the occasion.
“Thanks to the young people who are celebrating, proving how happy we are all to get together in person once again,” Trudeau said.
“Today it’s about them, going out, celebrating this extraordinary community.”
Trudeau noted that this is the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Toronto that the parade is being held.
“It’s been a tough time these last two years,” Trudeau said.
“We have seen an increase in anti-black racism and intolerance that is associated with so many of the challenges that people face, and on a day like this, we can remember what it is like to be Canadian.”
The little ones took part in the Kiddies for Mas: Junior Carnival parade on Saturday. (Chris Mulligan / CBC)
Laverne Garcia, executive chairwoman 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 are doing is celebrating the next generation of masquerades who will lead the carnival into the future,” he said.
“The roots are in emancipation. It’s about freedom and diversity. Especially for children, it’s an opportunity to celebrate who they are and where they come from. In addition, it also shows them a way to integrate and get to know the its history and culture. “
Earlier, he said the committee was “very excited” to be able to organize the parade this year.
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The mayor says the parade is about children
Tory, meanwhile, said the event is about children and is a way to help them build trust.
“It’s about making sure everyone is included, feels included, and that we’re also included in this big celebration,” Tory said. “Congratulations to the kids. They look fantastic. They’re excited. It’s about them. We continue with this parade. We take a leap and have a great children’s carnival.”
Thompson, who represents the Scarborough Center, said more opportunities are needed for children dressing up on Saturday.
“We need to ensure that we prepare a bright future for our next generation,” he said on Twitter.
Two participants wear wings made of purple and white feathers. (Chris Mulligan / CBC)
After the speeches, the masqueraders headed west along McLevin Avenue and north along Neilson Road to Neilson Park. This year, the 12 junior bands will compete for the junior “Band of the Year” title.
The parade is a preview of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade on July 30th.
On its website, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival says, “This Caribbean tradition of street parades was founded to celebrate the freedom and emancipation of slavery and properly celebrates what has been recognized by the Canadian government as the head of week of Emancipation Day “.
(Chris Mulligan / CBC) (Chris Mulligan / CBC) (Chris Mulligan / CBC) (Chris Mulligan / CBC)