Return of the Caribbean Carnival in Regina – Regina | Globalnews.ca

For the first time since the pandemic began, a colorful Caribbean carnival took over the streets of Regina on Saturday.

organized by Caribbean Carnival AssociationThe city was awash with colour, music and fun.

Caribbean Carnival is a celebration of the Caribbean and south american culture And it is known for its iconic costumes and dances.

“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.

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 also an opportunity for us to let other people experience that feeling.” There is also an opportunity to be invited.” he said.

The celebration originally began in Trinidad and Tobago and is now celebrated around the world.

To kick off Caribfest’22, a traditional Caribbean parade made its way through the streets of Regina via Cameron St at noon, before stopping at Victoria Park where many live performances, sports and entertainment participants. were waiting for.

Caribbean Carnival Association treasurer Devona Haynes said this is the first time her organization is hosting a carnival.

He said, “We started our organization in 2020… COVID affected and we couldn’t do anything… So this year, we were finally able to do it… We decided to take our culture on the streets this year. did,” she said.

“I think it came together wonderfully, it took a lot of hard work and I think we had an amazing turnout, I could not have asked for better. I am overwhelmed with the support and love we have received today. ” Haynes said.

Cintia Monteiro da Silva also attended the parade along with her 4-year-old son, Carter. She was born in Brazil and has experienced the carnival culture throughout her life.

It was especially festive for her as it was the first time her son was able to attend and be a part of it. Music, dance, colours, costumes and food were all new to him.

“As a mother, as a Brazilian, it makes me so proud to see my little man do this to me,” she said.

She said that she really loves being able to experience Carnival once again after not experiencing it for a few years, “It’s where my comfort zone is, it’s where I’m comfortable and I Having a great time. I love seeing the results of everyone here.”

— With files from Andrew Benson