By Becky Hagan-Egyir
Downtown Edmonton is about to be transformed into one giant party! From August 8-10 the sweet musical rhythms of soca, calypso, reggae, hip-hop, steel pan, and more will vibrate through street corners surrounding Churchill Square and parts of Jasper Avenue. Beads and feathers in bright, vibrant colours will shake to the fun, energetic dancing of participants on mas bands (aka masquerade floats) — this is Cariwest.
The annual festival is the second largest celebration of Caribbean culture in Canada and a carnival of community gathering. Bert Reynolds, the Director of Vendors and Caribbean Village at Cariwest, believes this festival is one of the best in the city. He’s been involved in the fest since 2004 and has seen how Cariwest brings together people of all cultural backgrounds and allows them to participate in Caribbean culture. “There’s something about the Caribbean culture and spirit that’s just so carefree. So people come [to Cariwest] and they feel secure and comfortable as they watch and have fun,” he explains.
There’s another reason why this year’s event is extra special. Bert continues, “This year is our 30th anniversary and as a result we brought down Fitzgerald and he’s made thousands of costumes [in the past]! He’s from Trinidad originally and he came from the US for us and he’s making a fantasy theme. It consists of Beauty and the Beast characters and as well as characters from Aladdin. The genie looks amazing! It’s going to be phenomenal.” Fitzgerald’s fantasy costumes will be feature in a new show at this 30th edition of the fest: a children’s parade.
Watch the children show off their dazzling costumes at this and many more events. “The parade will be running on August 8th, 9th, and 10th. On the 8th is the costume extravaganza which will be taking place at the Shaw Conference Centre. And on the Saturday at 12 pm the parade will be making its way from 107th Street up Jasper all the way to Churchill Square and it should end there around 2:30 or 3:00 pm. And at that point, the Caribbean Village will be open for everyone who wants to come in and have fun. That will be on the Saturday and the Sunday,” says Bert.
While you wait to eat some mouth-watering food and watch some stunning displays of culture, get ready for the upcoming festivities by going to City Hall off of Churchill Square. Here you will find a costume exhibit featuring some of the best mas outfits of Cariwest. For more info on this and more, check out the website.
