MASQUERADE EXHIBITION: Caribbean Carnival returns after two years

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Hundreds of thousands of people gathered in and around the Exhibition Grounds for the 55th edition of the Caribbean Carnival after being on a pandemic hiatus for 2 years.

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The Grand Parade of 12 bands stretched a 5-kilometer route and closed a month-long celebration – the largest of its kind in North America.

Sherwin Williams designed one of the thousands of costumes on display.

It was a scramble, he said, to prepare for this year.

“It feels good to be back,” he said admiring Winsleen Braithwait wearing his creation.

“We couldn’t do anything for the last two years. It’s like being back with family now.”

The longtime Carnival contributor said this year was much more expensive as he created the Queen Bee costume.

“A lot of things were very, very expensive. We couldn’t believe it,” he said. “But because we have a love for our culture, we had to put up the money. Materials and everything that has grown. Many things rose up in the sky.”

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The event is a big summer boon for hotels, restaurants and attractions as tourists flock to the city – especially Americans.

Floridians Dominique Propen and BJ Asuation came to Toronto for the first time.

The two didn’t just take part in the carnival – they were also among the 10,000 revelers on Saturday.

“It’s been fun. It’s been tense,” said Propen in full suit. “All the girls are just beautiful. Everyone is so friendly. And it’s been two years in the making.”

Mayor John Tory – along with local organisers, MPs and MPPs – helped launch the parade.

“It’s very good for the city in terms of bringing people together. But it’s also great for the economy,” he said of the impact on overnight stays in the city.

“These are hotels that were 3 percent at the peak of the pandemic. They were empty. The staff was all fired. And yesterday they (Hotel X) were taking reservations and they were full.”

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Also filling up: customers at dozens of vendors.

Edul Rahaman – owner of Roast Corn Express – has had fourteen years at the carnival.

“That means a lot,” he said trying to unload the corn from his industrial roaster.

“After the pandemic, it is an opportunity to make money. If it feels like life is getting back to normal. We’re getting there.”

Sheyenne Miller has been participating in the parade since she was 12 years old.

But this was the first time she attended in costume.

“That’s wonderful. I like it,” she said. “I’m very happy that everyone came out and had a good time. We deserve to be free at last.”

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Twitter: @_ScottLaurie