Caribana: questions and answers
Short, sourced answers about Caribana, its founders and its name. Where sources differ, we say so.
What is Caribana?
Caribana is the Caribbean festival that West Indian volunteers gave Toronto and Canada in 1967, as a birthday gift for the country's 100th year. The Caribana Arts Group keeps its history and holds the registered Caribana® trademark.
Who founded Caribana?
Caribana was started in 1967 by West Indian community volunteers in Toronto. Our Founders page lists the people we have confirmed, including Dr. Joseph "Al" Liverpool, Charles Roach, Romain Pitt, Rita Cox, Jean Augustine and Kenneth Shah. Accounts differ on the exact committee and its members.
Why was Caribana started in 1967?
1967 was Canada's centennial year. West Indian volunteers in Toronto chose to mark it with a Caribbean festival on the city's streets, as a gift to the country.
Is Caribana the same as the Toronto Caribbean Carnival?
Caribana is the name the festival began under in 1967. Since 2015 the parade has officially been called the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, organized by the Festival Management Committee. The Caribana Arts Group is a separate organization and holds the Caribana® trademark.
Who owns the Caribana trademark?
Caribana® is a registered trademark of the Caribana Arts Group.
Does the Caribana Arts Group run the Toronto parade?
No. The Caribana Arts Group keeps Caribana's history, archive and community memory alive. For parade dates, routes and tickets, please see the festival organizer's own website.
When is Caribana's 60th anniversary?
Caribana began in 1967, so its 60th anniversary is in 2027. The Road to 60 page explains how you can take part.
How can I share my photos and stories?
Use the Share Your Memories page. Our team reviews every submission, and nothing is shared without your permission.
Where this comes from
Our answers follow the Caribana Arts Group's own records and these public sources: