Trudeau greeted the crowds at the opening ceremony of the Kiddies for Mas: Junior Carnival parade. Around 2,000 young people, aged between two and 16, took part in the event, which started at Malvern Community Centre. The parade included 12 Mas bands. Toronto Mayor John Tory and Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson were there. The children, wearing vibrant costumes, paraded through the streets of Scarborough. There was an array of bright colors, large feathers, shiny beads and lots of sequins. Some of the costumes, depicting scenes of the Caribbean diaspora, were grand in scope. Trudeau told the crowd the event is a celebration of Canada’s Caribbean community and said the costumed youth on Saturday rose to the occasion. “Thank you to the young people who are out to celebrate, showing how happy we all are to come together in person once again,” Trudeau said. “Today is about them, coming out, celebrating this great community.” Trudeau noted that this is the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic hit Toronto that the parade has been held. “It’s been a difficult time the last couple of years,” Trudeau said. “We’ve seen a rise in anti-Black racism and bigotry related to so many of the challenges people face, and on a day like this, we can remind ourselves what it is to be Canadian.” Very young children participated in the Kiddies for Mas: Junior Carnival on Saturday. (Chris Mulligan/CBC) Laverne Garcia, executive chair of the festival’s management committee, said the day was a celebration of Caribbean history and culture. The committee produces the Toronto Caribbean Carnival and Kiddies for Mas. “What we’re doing is we’re celebrating the next generation of masqueraders who will lead the carnival into the future,” he said. “The roots are in emancipation. It’s about freedom and diversity. For kids especially, it’s an opportunity to celebrate who they are and where they came from. It also shows them a way to integrate and learn about history and their culture.” Earlier, he said the committee was “so excited” to be able to organize the parade this year. THE I’ll have more on that tonight at 6pm. pic.twitter.com/UPY4FoisDl —@DaliaReports
The mayor says the parade is about the kids
Tory, for this part, said the event is about the kids and is a way to help them build confidence. “This is about making sure that everyone is included, feels included and that we are included in this great celebration,” Tory said. “Congratulations to the kids. They look fantastic. They’re excited. It’s all about them. Let’s get on with this parade. Let’s jump in and have a great kids’ carnival.” Thompson, who represents Scarborough Centre, said more opportunities were needed for children dressing up on Saturday. “We must ensure that we prepare a bright future for our next generation,” he tweeted. Two participants display wings of purple and white feathers. (Chris Mulligan/CBC) After the speeches, the masqueraders made their way west on McLevin Avenue and north on Neilson Road to Neilson Park. This year, the 12 junior bands will compete for the title of junior ‘Band of the Year’. The parade precedes the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade on July 30. On its website, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival states: “This Caribbean street parade tradition was established to celebrate freedom and emancipation from slavery and is fittingly celebrated on what has been recognized by the Canadian government as Emancipation Day.” (Chris Mulligan/CBC)(Chris Mulligan/CBC)(Chris Mulligan/CBC)(Chris Mulligan/CBC)
