Edmonton Hosts Colorful Cariwest Caribbean Carnival and Parade – See The Photos

News Americas, EDMONTON, Canada, Tues. August 15, 2023: Over the weekend, on Saturday afternoon of August 12th, the vibrant Cariwest Caribbean carnival and parade took center stage in Edmonton, Canada.

A participant seen as the Edmonton Cariwest parade rolls through downtown Edmonton. The Cariwest festival celebrates the heritage and culture of the islands of the Caribbean. (Photo by Ron Palmer/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Dancers and performers ignited the crowd’s energy, eliciting claps and spontaneous dances as they paraded through the heart of downtown. The lively two-kilometer route embarked from 108 Street and culminated in the bustling Churchill Square, aptly named the “Caribbean Village” for the duration of the weekend.

Parade participants are seen as the Edmonton Cariwest parade that rolls through Edmonton downtown. The Cariwest festival celebrates the heritage and culture of the islands of the Caribbean. (Photo by Ron Palmer/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

A total of 800 spirited participants, organized into 16 dazzling groups referred to as bands, wowed the audience with their performances. Many of these bands competed across various categories as they danced along the 1.7 km mobile masquerade, serenading the procession with lively tunes. The journey, commencing from the Legislature and concluding at Churchill Square, provided a dynamic spectacle.

Participants seen wearing traditional Maas Band regalia as the Edmonton Cariwest parade rolls through downtown Edmonton. The Cariwest festival celebrates the heritage and culture of the islands of the Caribbean. (Photo by Ron Palmer/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

This year, Cariwest’s Caribbean Village expanded its territory on Churchill Square, encompassing a portion of 100 Street that was temporarily blocked off. This expansion allowed the presence of 20 food vendors, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the well-known Taste of Edmonton festival.

Parade participants wearing colorful costumes pose for cameras as the Edmonton Cariwest parade rolls through downtown Edmonton. The Cariwest festival celebrates the heritage and culture of the islands of the Caribbean. (Photo by Ron Palmer/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

A parade participant dances for the crowds as the Edmonton Cariwest parade rolls through Edmonton downtown. The Cariwest festival celebrates the heritage and culture of the islands of the Caribbean. (Photo by Ron Palmer/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

The organizers proudly assert that Cariwest stands as Canada’s grandest celebration of Caribbean culture. The event encapsulated the vibrancy, music, and camaraderie that define the rich heritage of the Caribbean community.