Following the cancellation of the 2022 Mosaic Festival, the Caribbean community in Regina is looking for a different way to celebrate.
The first Caribbean Carnival festival will be held in the Queen City on July 23.
“You know what Christmas is like in Canada?” Jacinta Fischer asked, explaining the importance of the festival. “Carnival is everything in the Caribbean. It’s our biggest celebration of the year. And that’s why we wanted to bring it here so we can all share it.”
Fisher is one of the members of the Saskatchewan Association of Caribbean Carnivals which is responsible for organizing the festival.
To start Caribfest’22, a traditional Caribbean parade will make its way through the streets of Regina from 13.th Avenue and Cameron St., before stopping at Victoria Park where many life performances, sports and entertainment will await attendees.
“There will be a big truck playing music, and those who want to dress up in their traditional regalia or costumes are welcome to join the streets,” Fischer said.
For Fisher, it is a day not only for members of the Caribbean community to express themselves in Regina, but for others to learn about the culture.
“It’s an opportunity for us to not only change the way we dress and the way we dance, the way we move with the music, but it’s an opportunity for all of us to invite other people to experience it.” There is also an opportunity to do emotion,” she said.
The festival originally began in Trinidad and Tobago and is now celebrated around the world.
“Caribbean Carnival traditionally began in the 18th century, once slavery was emancipated,” Fisher explained. “It was a chance for everyone to be able to celebrate their cultures outdoors with dance, music and costume.”
The festival will run from noon to 8 p.m. Costumes for the event can be purchased through Carnival Facebook page.
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