Caribana

I love the idea of Caribana. I don't like everything that goes on, but I love the fact that these little island countries have a lot of pride. I always thought Guyana was in South America but I guess Rand McNally hasn't been to Caribana.

It was brought to my attention that a couple of my cousins were going to be dancing in the Caribana parade. I really wanted to go see them but I had to work. They were gracious enough to lend me some pictures for my blog.

I believe the first one here are my cousins right before they went to Glow. Glow is a big Caribana tradition in Toronto where all the attendees wear white. As you can see, the ladies are decked out in their home whites. They would not be let in if they were not wearing them. It is always a big event with many unannounced soca stars blazing up the stage. I'm thankful there were a shot from the shoulders up because these ladies looked a little too good for Inside Randall's Pocket.

This is one of my favourite parts of Caribana. The costumes. A lot of preparation goes into them and they look fabulous. Here are exhibits A and B. I really should have asked them how long it took them to get ready. I really did want to see them in the parade. I tried watching online at CityPulse24.com while I was at work, but I didn't know what colour their team (for lack of a better word) was.

Here are some final thoughts about Caribana. I don't think I'll ever find my way back down to the parade ever again. It's just too crowded and I'm not up for paying $20 for a slice of watermelon. Maybe one day I'll share the story of how I saved my niece from a stampede at the Caribana parade one year and we became really close after that. Also, where was Machel Montano this year. I didn't really hear anything about him. Is he finished?