Carifest

Carifest

June

The northern climate of Calgary, Alberta, may make the city an unlikely venue for celebrating Caribbean culture. But every summer Carifest helps transform the cold locale into a sunny and vibrant scene with Caribbean music, dancing, and food. After the Toronto Caribana, it is the largest Caribbean festival in Canada.
This five-day affair is organized by the Caribbean Community Council (CCC), which consists of various island association representatives. The CCC established Carifest in 1981 with a mission to offer local Caribbean residents a celebration reminiscent of their homeland. The organization also saw the need to expose all Calgarians to Caribbean culture and to celebrate the city's multicultural character.
The calypso, soca, and reggae music of the Caribbean enlivens the mood at the parade that kicks off the festival week. The procession always includes a special appearance by Miss Carifest, who is selected at a beauty pageant preceding the festival. More music is featured at the main event, the Sunshine Festival, which takes place at Prince's Island Park in downtown Calgary. In addition to its performances, the Sunshine Festival also draws large crowds with crafts and spicy Caribbean food.

CONTACTS:
Caribbean Community Council
101, 3208 – 8th Ave. N.E.
Calgary, AL T2A 7V8 Canada
www.carifestcalgary.ca