Feeling Irie

This Article is part of the “Black Voices” collection, an ongoing collaboration with Dalhousie Black Law Students’ Associations

Originally published in The Weldon Times’ Winter 2024 issue.

Zindzi Azubuike and family in bright Caribana clothing — Zindzi Azubuike, JD '25, and family

What does a British-Ghanaian, a Jamaican-Antiguan and a Filipino-Guyanese all have in common? Caribana, or as some may know it, Carnival, is a uniting force for peoples across the African diaspora. Caribana is an event that takes place every year in different cities, islands and countries across the globe. This past summer, and the summer before, I have had the distinct pleasure of taking part in the Caribana festival. Laying my eyes on hundreds of beautiful black and brown faces, splashes of bright orange, warm pinks and sea blues, was an experience that made me feel more at home within my country.

History of Caribana

While Caribana is a celebration of how far peoples of the African diaspora have come, it also is a recognition of the struggles of our past and how we have overcome them. Taking a deep dive into the history of Caribana or as some might know it, Carnival: its origins start in the late 18th century in Trinidad and Tobago. It originally began with “a ritual called Cannes Brulees (French for “sugarcane burning”).”¹ Enslaved Africans would burn the valuable sugarcane produced by plantations as an act of resistance. This ritual burning was accompanied by stick and drum music which harkened back to African roots. The music served to reconnect them with their ancestors and guiding spirits that helped to sustain them. This was an act of reclamation and empowerment of their cultural identity.²

Today, Carnival now has various names and is celebrated across various continents and islands – including South America, Europe, the Caribbean and North America. Wherever there are peoples of the African diaspora, Carnival is celebrated. In Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, Carnival is known to be a week-long celebration full of dancing, music, drinking and enjoyment.

Wherever there are peoples of the African diaspora, Carnival is celebrated.

In Europe, Carnival is celebrated in countries such as England and is known as the Notting Hill Carnival: “The Notting Hill Carnival, held in West London, has become one of the biggest street festivals in Europe.”³ The same is true for Caribana in Toronto and Carnival celebrations in the Caribbean. Many look forward to celebrating Carnival (or as Torontonians know it, Caribana) months in advance. There is much preparation that goes into creating costumes, figuring out dances and floats and preparing for the overall business that comes with such a vibrant city-wide festival. Caribana to me is a reminder of all that the peoples of the African diaspora have endured and have contributed to the world but most importantly it is a reminder of the beauty, resilience and freedom that comes with being descendants of the African diaspora.

Participating in Caribana

So, if you ever find yourself in Toronto, the Caribbean, Brazil or London during Carnival season, feel free to pay homage to the beauty of the African Diaspora by partaking in the following ways:

How to have a successful Caribana/Carnival

1. Enjoy Caribbean Food

Take a bite out of a delicious Jamaican patty, enjoy some rice and peas and plantain or some jerk chicken! After eating this food, you’ll be feeling irie!

2. Enjoy Caribbean Music

3. Stop by the parade and enjoy the festivities of Carnival!

Overall, Caribana is a unique, exuberant, rich celebration that connects all kinds of people together. Being able to walk in the parade and celebrate my history alongside my people makes me proud to be Antiguan-Jamaican, and I’m sure many others feel the same! Especially in a country where historically black and brown bodies were commoditized and our labour freely abused, Caribana and other island festivities are in many ways a declaration and a reclamation of our humanity, dignity and pride. Jah Bless!