I’d like to start off by saying thanks to Steven Weir and the media services at the Caribana offices for granting us media accreditation for the Caribana events, even though we were a bit late in applying. As a son of the soil of the Caribbean islands, Caribana and other such events are dear to me. My sister who’s also actively involved in many Caribana events as a food vendor was also there that night, so was I doing double duty as a media rep for OntarioAlive.com and assistant cook for my sister’s food stall.

We’re notorious for never being on time or organized and it was proven again here this night. As I made my way around the stadium (Allan Lamport Stadium) it was clear that none of the security or people wearing the event shirts had any clue where I should go to get my media badge. After a relentless search I was told that last year the media desk was setup at the far end of the stage. Finally I had my badge and briefed as to what the badge gave me access to.

Other small glitches that night was a somewhat late start and during the actual event, there were some issues with band leaders (king, queen etc) not going onto stage in the order they were supposed to. But if a costume is not ready, there’s not much organizers could do.

Overall a great show full of  culture and people just having a good time with friends and family as they were entertained by the mas people and the booming sounds of the Caribbean. One cannot forget the opportunity to experience the cuisine from the Caribbean and Latin American region. Besides the normal, doubles, bake and shark, roti and assortment of curry side dishes, the jerk chicken with peas and rice, one could also enjoy deep fried plantain (so good) with Spanish rice and BBQ chicken smothered in that wonderful Latin American sauce. The scent bellowing from the various food vendors was like a signal to your senses, urging you to get something to eat. Even if you just had dinner before arriving at the event.

After my camera battery died (thus the lack of more pics) and I made my way into the stands and food area it was very clear that people were having fun, even the police that were in attendance were mixing with the people and stole a minute or two to dance along to the pulsating soca music. While on the topic of police, I was also very impressed at the number of security and event staff that were everywhere giving the event a very safe and organized feel.

Here are some of the pics I was able to take before my camera batteries died on me. Yes, I did take 2 cameras, but as luck would have it they both were low on power.

People started lining up very early to sample many of the food options this night. This spot “Famous Recipe” was one of the more popular options, and from speaking with customers they all claimed that the top choice was the bake and shark and/or the bake and saltfish. For me it was the roti with curry potato and chicken. Directly across this food stall were free samples of sorrel drink… something you must try if you ever get the chance to.

I would strongly recommend that you make this event as well as the many other Caribana events a must-do on your summer to-do list. This is Toronto and Canada at it’s best and don’t feel that if you’re not from the Caribbean region you would feel excluded. Everyone were very welcoming and as I mentioned above it a good way to learn and experience some of the wonderful culture and diversity that makes us so uniquely Canadian.

For more on the 2009 Scotia Bank Toronto Caribana, you can visit the Caribana website.

For a full list of the winners at the King and Queen event, click here.

On the Thursday evening before Caribana Day the Kings and Queens of the Bands meet to do battle. Like peacocks they will primp and preen, eliciting “oohs” and “aahs” from the audience. It is an honour for any participant to be enthroned the King or Queen of Scotiabank Caribana 2009. The King and Queen symbolically have the keys to the city, freedom of the streets. Their movements are supposed to be uninhibited. Band members and onlookers alike are to give them the respect, even if mockingly, usually accorded to real-life royalty.