By Patrick Dennis Jr.

What used to be known as Caribana is now known as the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto; not only has the name changed, it appears the event has as well.

The 2011 edition of this annual event brought about much controversy and skepticism. From the name to change to the event owners and sponsors, everything about this Caribbean showcase was being questioned. It would seem, though, that the event was being questioned by all the wrong people.

This street festival, which is supposed to showcase and highlight the best in Caribbean culture, was still a hit with the participants. From mas camp to mas camp, you would be hard pressed to find masqueraders who didn’t enjoy themselves this past weekend.

Like many participants, Janelle James waits for this event all year long and when it finally arrives, it’s like Christmas for her. “It’s the preparation. Waking up in the morning and saying, ‘wow its Caribana!’ It’s putting on your costume, taking pictures and getting to the starting point, seeing all the different bands. Getting hyped to cross the stage- it’s like a rush!” she explained excitedly.

Janelle, who marched with Louis Saldenah mas-k camp, explained that her experience at the festival has always been fun, but it’s her time spent participating with various mas camps that has been the most rewarding.

“It’s so different to be in it. It’s like you paid for your costume, you pick it up and you’re just waiting for Caribana so you can put it on. It’s also the appreciation, the hard work that went into making it,” she added.

While many outsiders were busy focusing on the changes and negative press surrounding the festival and the parade, others were embracing what it means. Shauntel Parkinson, who also marched with Louis Saldenah mas-k camp, is another of those participants that waits all year long for this event.

“The grand parade really feels like a complete release of all the stress, adrenaline, and genuine happiness that has accumulated over the months prior to the parade. For me, participating in the grand parade really represents the love and appreciation I have for my Caribbean heritage; it’s the one time during the year where I can celebrate and jump up with everyone from any island or country in the Caribbean and the world. It truly is a spectacular experience that everyone should be apart of.”

Sadly, the joy and appreciation felt by many people involved with the event changed into feelings of anger and frustration due to violence. Another act of violence, which led to one man being killed, overshadowed the parade. Those within the community of the festival are upset and outraged because these acts of violence, which aren’t caused by those within the parade, are seen as “part of” the parade. Many people fear going to enjoy the music, food and culture because they feel they might not make it home for dinner that night.

Some believe the disrespect for the parade starts with those individuals who hop over fences to be a part of the parade. “They don’t appreciate the costume. They just care about dancing on girls,” explains Janelle. She went on to add that she would like to see the parade like it is in Trinidad, respected and appreciated.

Maybe it starts with the media and the festival organisers educating the public on proper parade etiquette; maybe the parade needs stricter guidelines and more cops on the route. Whatever it may be, something needs to be done to protect this heritage event. We within the black community have seen many of our companies, projects and festivals shut down or changed from what we had intended. It is time we come together to make this colourful, beautiful festival the way it’s supposed to be.

Patrick Dennis Jr. is a media studies student at University of Guelph-Humber and editorial intern for swaymag.ca.

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