You've always heard about Caribana, and you've always wanted to come. But where do you start? Here's a Caribana visitors guide to the events, accommodation options and other must-see's in Toronto.
Visitors often ask what hotel to stay at, and even which hotels are close to the parade. Really, it doesn't matter where you stay. Many of the events are not in one neighbourhood. Staying downtown is your best bet though, for convenience and location to attractions. To find your hotel, go to: http://www.hotels.ca
If
you like a more personal
touch, bed and breakfasts
are the unique way to
go. I've stayed at the
Homewood
Inn a few
times and would recommend
it. Check out the Toronto
B&B
site for many
options.
As far as transportation
goes, I would suggest
taking the TTC
rather than taxis, as
cab rides in the city
have gone up. A day
pass for $9 is a smart
idea, and it's good
for 2 adults and 4 kids.
The festival starts
with the official Launch
on July 14, Junior Carnival
on the 18th, the Gala
on the 24th, Pan Alive
on the 31st, and the
Parade on August 1st.
The complete list of
Caribana events is
on
the Caribana
festival
site.
There are some musts for me. Junior Carnival is a wonderful chance for kids to start playing mas. It's also the parade you'll want to bring your kids to, as it's catered to children and has small crowds.
King and Queen is the opportunity for the bands to showcase their amazing colourful and shining creations. Seeing them dance on stage in the evening gives me goosebumps.
King & Queen and Pan Alive are both held at Lamport Stadium, King St. West.
What's better: watching others have fun, or having fun yourself? Instead of looking at the masqueraders behind the fence, be one yourself! Your Caribana experience will be so much more fulfilling if you play mas. There are 15 bands, many not sold out yet.
Check
out the costumes the
bands are designing
(go to Toronto
Mas Bands list),
register, and get
ready to jump, wine
and wave!
