- Despite differences across communities, Black Canadians faced systemic racism and unequal treatment prior to and during the 1960s.
- Black Canadians faced widespread discrimination in housing (many landlords refused to rent to Black families), employment (Black people were often limited to low-wage jobs), and public spaces (hotels, restaurants, and some pools refused service).
- Anti-Black immigration policies restricted Caribbean migration to Canada until the mid-1960s.
Learning ModuleCan celebration be an effective act of resistance?
Can celebration be an effective act of resistance?
Introduction
Celebration is typically thought of as something joyful. It can often be associated with music, movement, colours, and culture. But what if celebrations carry an even deeper meaning? In some cases when people celebrate, they are pushing back against erasure, taking up space, honouring their culture and history, and protecting their traditions. In this learning module, we will explore a specific example in detail, examining the experiences of Black Canadians leading up to the creation of the event.
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival
A rapidly growing Caribbean diaspora began to reshape the social and cultural fabric of cities like Toronto following significant changes to Canada’s immigration policy in the early 1960s. Against this backdrop, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, formerly known as Caribana, was established in 1967. The Toronto Caribbean Carnival was a gift from the Caribbean community to Canada for the country’s hundred-year anniversary and is a celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and traditions.
The festival, which begins in July and lasts for several weeks, showcases Caribbean music, fashion, theatre, parades, and exhibits. Its founders wanted to create a space to celebrate the joy, creativity, and cultural heritage of the Caribbean. Caribana also has deeper historical roots, tracing back to the end of slavery in the Caribbean and commemorating Emancipation Day, a time to celebrate freedom and resilience.
The parade weekend coincides with Simcoe Day, which marked the end of slavery in Upper Canada, and serves as a celebration of cultural pride and the power of resistance within Black communities.
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival has been held every year since 1967 and has become the largest cultural festival in North America, reflecting the rich cultural heritage, resilience, traditions, and spirit of the Caribbean diaspora.
What were the experiences of some Black Canadians in the 1960s?
- Despite differences across communities, Black Canadians faced systemic racism and unequal treatment prior to and during the 1960s.
- Black Canadians faced widespread discrimination in housing (many landlords refused to rent to Black families), employment (Black people were often limited to low-wage jobs), and public spaces (hotels, restaurants, and some pools refused service).
- Anti-Black immigration policies restricted Caribbean migration to Canada until the mid-1960s.
- Black communities and churches actively resisted discrimination through grassroots organizing and cultural associations by supporting housing and job placements for Black Canadians.
- Black communities advocated for civil rights and challenged discriminatory laws and practices.
- In 1962 and 1967, immigration policy changes removed many explicitly racist barriers, increasing Caribbean immigration.
- Toronto’s Black population grew rapidly, bringing new cultural traditions and communities and established vibrant local communities, like the “Little Jamaica” neighbourhood in Toronto.
- Black communities and churches actively resisted discrimination through grassroots organizing and cultural associations by supporting housing and job placements for Black Canadians.
- Black communities advocated for civil rights and challenged discriminatory laws and practices.
- In 1962 and 1967, immigration policy changes removed many explicitly racist barriers, increasing Caribbean immigration.
- Toronto’s Black population grew rapidly, bringing new cultural traditions and communities and established vibrant local communities, like the “Little Jamaica” neighbourhood in Toronto.
Despite facing discrimination, Black Canadians built strong community organizations, cultural associations, and spaces of belonging in the 1950s and 1960s. Churches and Caribbean cultural associations provided support, celebrated identity, and empowered Black communities. Out of this growing community strength, and a love for their Caribbean identity, emerged one of the largest cultural celebrations in Canadian history: Caribana (later renamed the Toronto Caribbean Carnival).
Timeline: History of Caribana
Press the following tabs to learn more about the evolution of Caribana. As you explore the timeline, identify what changed over time and what stayed the same in both Caribana and the experiences of Black Canadians.
A group of West-Indian professionals and community members in Toronto began planning a Caribbean contribution to Canada’s 100th anniversary. They created the Caribbean Cultural Committee to organize a festival that would showcase Caribbean identity and cultural pride. At a time when Black Canadians faced deep and systemic discrimination that continues today, taking up space in Canada’s 100th birthday celebration sent a powerful message that Black communities belonged in the national story.
Members of the Caribbean Committee for Cultural Advancement.
Caribana launched in 1967 as a gift from Toronto’s Caribbean community during Canada’s Centennial celebrations. More than 50,000 people attended as music, masqueraders, steelpan, and dance filled Varsity Stadium, the starting point of the first Caribana parade, which then marched along Bloor Street and Yonge Street to Toronto’s City Hall. The festival was more than entertainment; it was a joyful act of pride. Through vibrant public celebration, Black Caribbean Canadians declared their presence and belonging, as they shared their culture, challenged stereotypes, and increased their visibility in Canadian public life.
Caribana grew into a massive, internationally renowned annual celebration featuring calypso tents, jump-ups, fetes, competitions, and junior carnival events. Masquerade bands multiplied over the years, and volunteers remained the backbone of the festival. Despite ongoing anti-Black racism in policing, housing, and employment, the Caribbean community continued to sustain this large public cultural space. The festival’s growth became a powerful example of community organization, resilience, and cultural tradition.
Celebrating Black Emancipation through Caribana Festival, 1972.
Credit:
ASC, Kenneth Shah fonds, 2020-001/025 (25)
In 2011, the festival was officially renamed the Toronto Caribbean Carnival to reflect the diversity of Caribbean nations represented and to emphasize its location in Toronto. Although the name changed, the festival’s core purpose remained the same. Its focus on culture, joy, and community pride continued to serve as a meaningful form of resistance.
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival now attracts over 1 million spectators on parade weekend and more than 2 million visitors over the full duration of the festival. The festival brings significant economic benefits, contributing over half a billion dollars to the Toronto economy and taxes to federal, provincial, and municipal governments. By drawing such large audiences and producing substantial economic impact, the Carnival helps to make Caribbean culture more visible in Canada and highlights the contributions and importance of Black Caribbean communities in Canadian society.
Masqueraders at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival parade.
Societal changes and impact
The Toronto Caribbean Carnival shows how cultural celebrations can be acts of resistance that directly counter erasure and demand visibility on one’s own terms. The Carnival’s roots lie in emancipation, and its establishment which occurred during a time when Black Canadians faced discrimination in housing, employment, and civic life. By publicly celebrating Caribbean culture, Black Canadians challenged invisibility and systemic racism while asserting their identity and cultural pride through the joy of dance, food, music, masquerade, and the reclaiming of public space.
The festival strengthened community networks, provided leadership opportunities, and increased recognition and appreciation of Caribbean culture across Canadian society. It's important to note that despite these successes, systemic barriers and discrimination continue even today, reminding us that cultural celebration is still a necessary form of resistance.
Self-check opportunity
Complete the following check for understanding to determine where you are in your learning. Select the correct answer, then press the Check Answer button to see how you did.
Demonstration of learning
Task: Using the information learned in this learning module, as well as additional research, consider the following questions. You may present your answers using a method of your choice such as a journal entry, a short video, or a slide deck.
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Cultural Showcase Project
Research a cultural celebration that takes place in Canada and create a mini exhibit (physical or digital) to share what you learn. Your exhibit should answer the following questions:
When researching, look for examples of how the community came together, resisted unfair treatment, or used the celebration to share their culture and identity with others.
You can present your findings in a format of your choice, such as a digital slide deck, essay, or poster.
The following is a list of suggested events to research, but you may also choose a Canadian cultural celebration or event of your choice.
- Manito Ahbee Festival – Winnipeg, MB
- Calgary Stampede Indigenous Celebration – Calgary, AB
- Vancouver Chinatown Lunar New Year Festival – Vancouver, BC
- Montreal International Caribbean Festival – Montreal, QC
- Africville Reunion– Halifax, NS
- Sakura Days Japan Fair - Vancouver, BC
CHC2D/2P Grade 10 Canadian History Since World War 1
D. Canada, 1945–1982
D2.4 describe how some Black individuals, communities, and organizations actively resisted and/or advocated against anti-Black racism in Canada and analyse the societal changes that resulted from their efforts during this period and what remained the same
de Bruin, T. (2013, February 19). Black Canadians | The Canadian Encyclopedia. The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/black-canadians (Opens in a new window)
Festival Management Committee. (2024, October 5). Our Story. https://www.torontocarnival.ca/post/our-story (Opens in a new window)
Gallaugher, A. (2007, February 6). Toronto Caribbean Carnival (Caribana). The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/caribana-emc (Opens in a new window)
Goodluck, M. (n.d.). Culture: Caribana Aspects of African Canadian Culture. African Canadian Online: An Online Resource by the Centre for the Study of Black Cultures in https://www.yorku.ca/aconline/c_caribana.html (Opens in a new window)
Key, W. (n.d.). Pillars of Society: Religious Institutions. We Were Here: Documenting Windsor’s McDougall Street https://collections.uwindsor.ca/we-were-here/pillars-of-society (Opens in a new window)
Labelle, M., Larose, S., & Piché, V. (2019, May 3). Caribbean Canadians | The Canadian Encyclopedia. The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/caribbean-canadians (Opens in a new window)
Our story. Toronto Caribbean Carnival. https://www.torontocarnival.ca/about-us-section-2/our-story-. (Opens in a new window)
The Caribbean Camera. (2017, August 3). CARIBANA: HISTORICAL BACKGROUNDhttps://thecaribbeancamera.com/caribana-historical-background/ (Opens in a new window)
The History of Caribana & the Grand Parade - Museum of Toronto. (2024, April 2). Museum of https://museumoftoronto.com/collection/caribana-the-grand-parade/ (Opens in a new window)