Montrealers gathered Saturday for the 50th anniversary of the Caribbean culture parade, which made its return after being cancelled last year.
The Carimas Grand Carnival is the culmination of the Carimas Festival.
For decades, the festival has celebrated the diversity and cultural heritage of the Caribbean community.
After being cancelled in 2023, and as many reflect on the effects of Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, the community says this year’s parade is a welcomed relief. Here’s what participants had to say.
Ariel Marshall, Miss Carimas 2024
“Us coming together today means so much. It means our community is back as a whole.
“It’s so important to remember our culture and our history. This is definitely based off of history from when the slaves were doing it. It was a way for them to communicate. And I think it’s very important that we remember where it comes from.”
Viva la Bleu, participant from Big Daddy, Groupe Miel and Jovial Montreal
“We always want to come together, and first of all, the people know down home that we’re there.
“I’m Jamaican. Sixty per cent of all Jamaicans don’t have power right now. So there is a lot of rebuilding that has to be done. So I think that we’re going to be here together just to rebuild together and figure out something that because we’re better when we’re together.
“We have such a history in Montreal and we’ve grown so many aspects of the city. So I think it’s important not just for us to celebrate and show our culture, but to also provide that educational and that context of ‘we belong here, we’ve been here and we want to just make sure that everyone feels welcome and enjoys the time.’”
Bubba Junior, community activist
“Whether you be from Jamaica, Haiti, Antigua, we’re all West Indian as our culture.
“I’m happy that the festival is continuing and hopefully it will continue next year and the years to follow.”
Joselin Phillip, participant from Colorz Festival and passions
“I was born into this and brought them into it. And when I travelled and came to Montreal for my recollections, I was made to understand that Montreal did have the biggest convoy in North America. It wasn’t Caribana. It was Montreal.”
Tania Paris, participant from Sokaweat
“It’s the 50th anniversary this year, so I hope it’s the best one yet. And many more to come. And of course, we’re keeping everybody in our prayers and in our thoughts as we walk down the road today.”
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