Caribana Ignite comes to Kitchener for inaugural celebrations

For the first time in the celebration's North American history, Caribana Ignite will be leaving the GTA and coming to Waterloo region.

The festivities will transform Kitchener's downtown core starting Friday evening with family-friendly events and a glow party after dusk.

The main parade kicks off Saturday at 11 a.m. and will make its way down King Street.

"It's so exciting to hear that there's going to be Carnival in Kitchener because there are not just Caribbean people in Toronto alone," said Michelle Reyes.

She has played Queen for Saldenah Carnival in the Toronto parade for a number of years.

Reyes says people attending can expect to be entertained and wowed by the elaborate and colourful costumes.

"There's multiple levels of costumes of the band," she explained. "The basic costume is called the backline. Then from there you've got different colours and feathered backpacks, those could be frontline or ultra frontline and then when we get into what's called big mass, those are the ones on wheels."

Along with those positions, there's also a king and queen for each band.

They are the ones who typically don the larger costume installations, with some reaching as high as six metres, or 20 feet.

Reyes says they're placed on wheels to help the band member move it through the parade.

"Think of it as having a shopping cart full of food. You don't lift the shopping cart, you just have to move it."

Though she won't be performing, Reyes is looking forward to attending the celebrations and taking it all in as a spectator.

"I'll get to take in the whole festival. The whole parade from beginning to end and see what everyone has to contribute, not just the people around me."

LISTEN|Sights, sounds and tastes of Caribbean culture coming to Kitchener:

The Morning Edition - K-W16:29Sights, sounds and tastes of Caribbean culture coming to Kitchener for Caribana Ignite celebrations

Following Torontos Carnival celebrations earlier this month, Caribana Ignite is leaving the GTA for the first time in North America and coming to Waterloo region. We learn about the parades historic costumes, some tasty food available and dance moves everyone can try out this weekend in downtown Kitchener.

Getting involved in the action

Attendees are being encouraged to rep their regionsto show support for their neighbourhood or hometown. People from Kitchener are being asked to wear green. Yellow for anyone from Waterloo. Red from Cambridge, and anyone traveling from the townships should wear white.

Members of Socacize Fitness will also be lining the streets to energize the crowd. The company features a blend of Caribbean and African dance techniques, combined with fitness moves.

"Movement is medicine," said Socacize CEO Ayanna Lee Rivears. "Being able to provide this program that's mainly to Caribbean-inspired music just really allowed me to spread that heritage and my culture in a positive way."

Socacize will be at Carl Zehr Square doing demonstrations onFriday evening.

"I'm excited to see how Kitchener will receive this parade," added Lee Rivears.

Get ready to dance at Caribana Ignite in downtown Kitchener

29 days ago

Duration 1:37

Kitcheners inaugural Caribana Ignite celebrations are set to transform the downtown core into a cultural experience this weekend. With colourful costumes and tasty soul food set to line King Street for the big parade on Saturday, Socacize Fitness CEO Ayanna Lee Rivears and Kitchener instructor Julia Mason are getting ready to pump up the crowd. The pair show off some of the moves attendees can bring to the party to the sounds of Machel Montanos Vibes Cyan Done.

Taste of the Caribbean

A big part of Caribbean culture includes the food.

That's why Vanessa Simon of Vanessa's Cuisine said she was honoured to be asked to be a vendor for the weekend and cater the opening VIP brunch.

"The taste of home-cooked food for us, it's for the soul," she said. "It's where you share joy when you get together. It's a celebration of love."

Simon, who was born inGuyana but lived most of her life in Kitchener,says she's looking forward to bringing a taste of home to the region.

"Vanessa's Cuisine creates memories that will last a lifetime."

Caribana Ignite coming to Kitchener this weekend

1 month ago

Duration 1:45

Caribana Ignite is a new event in Kitchener and festivities scheduled to begin this Friday. The city's mayor and Caribana's general manager shared their excitement about the upcoming vibrant street party and community celebrations during a media preview last week.