Kitchener set to host Caribana event this August

The City of Kitchener and the Caribana Arts Group have teamed up to bring Caribana to Waterloo Region this summer.

The announcement came on Thursday night at the KW Titans game against Windsor from Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. The announcement featured live performances by Dance Caribe Performing Company and Acoustic Steel.

“On behalf of the City of Kitchener and council, I am thrilled to welcome the Caribana Arts Group and Caribana Ignite festival to our community,” said Vrbanovic in a press release. “This celebration will contribute to the social, cultural and economic vibrancy of Kitchener.”

The event will take on a street party format, compared to the parade theme during the annual Toronto festival. Carl Zehr Square and Downtown Kitchener will be turned into a carnival village where attendees can take in the festivities.

Davina Reid, Chair of the Caribana Arts Group, said this will be the first time Caribana will be outside of Toronto.

“Our aim is to present a unique showcase that will introduce Kitchener and visitors from around the region to the cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, and visual and performing arts known as Caribana,”said Reid in a press release.

Reid added that Caribana Arts Group is grateful to the city of Kitchener and thanking the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region (CCAWR) for “embracing” the opportunity.

“The CCAWR is excited to be partnering with the Caribana Arts Group for this exciting event,” aid Lannois Carroll-Woolery, President of the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region in a press release. “Our mission of promoting the social, cultural and economic interests of the Region’s Caribbean community aligns perfectly with helping to bring Canada’s premiere Caribbean festival here,”

More details on the event are expected over the next few months.