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The 12th Annual Afro-Carib Fest
Heritage Skills Development Centre (HSDC) is excited to present the award-winning 12th annual Afro Carib Fest on August 19th & 20th, 2023, at Thomson Memorial Park in Scarborough, Ontario. Join us as we celebrate the culture and diversity of Afro-Caribbean communities and beyond, showcasing our cultural heritage through art, music, dance, and food. The event will engage audiences with live exciting performances and fun-filled, interactive activities that the entire family can enjoy.
Event Details
• Free Entry!
• Live Performances
• Cultural Parade
• Kids Zone
• Drum Circle
• Dance Competitions
• Exciting Prize Giveaways
• Vendors
• Beer Tent
Visit the Event Website
About the Celebration: The tradition dates back hundreds of years and was widely indulged by slaves as part of their principal holiday celebration. John Canoe was at its peak in the 18th century but was suppressed by authorities who wanted to dismiss the possibility of slave uprisings.
After emancipation, John Canoe suffered further decline due to non-conformist missionaries who attempted to stamp out pagan amusements and rituals. The John Canoe riots of 1841 resulted from the Mayor of Kingston’s banning of the John Canoe Parade.
Over the years, John Canoe has significantly died out, except for performances at some organized social events. The John Canoe masquerade involves players wearing masks and costumes, and recognition by the public of the characters they represent.
The common characters include the King, the Queen, the man with the house on his head (Ku-Ku), the devil, Belly Woman, the policeman, Cow Head, Head, Warriors, and Dancing Ladies. John Canoe costumes are brightly colored and decked with ribbons, with head-dresses of wire and colored paper. The King and Queen wear costumes of shiny materials and crowns of cardboard covered with silver paper.
The John Canoe tradition is kept alive today mainly through government-sponsored events such as the Jamaica festival.
• Lead Person: Vincent Kwame Boakye
Afro Carib Festival Presents
AFRO CARIB FEST VENDORS WANTED
SATURDAY AUGUST 20th – SUNDAY AUGUST 21st, 2022
Venue: Thomson Memorial Park, Scarborough, Ontario
How To Become a Vendor:
Phone: (416) 737-8990
Email: info@afrocaribfestival.com
Now Accepting:
*Click the link below to become a vendor.
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