The annual Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival is just weeks away from transforming downtown Toronto with a flourish of colour, music and culture.

The three-week festival is now in its 45th year and according to organizers, has become the largest cultural festival in North America. The carnival brings together the different Caribbean cultures in a setting that is fun and engaging for everyone, regardless of one's cultural background. This year, the festival is receiving just shy of $500,000 in funding by the city to help put on the celebration of the summer.

The fun begins three weeks before the parade even begins with different events throughout Toronto. The celebrations kicked off on Sunday, July 15 with a church service, which was a new tradition they started this year.

"The roots of the parade are in the emancipation of the slaves in Trinidad," said Stephen Weir, spokesperson for the Carnival. "The service is one of thanks, liberation and peace. We also hold a service at the end of the parade to give thanks to the Lord. This is a Christian service but open to all."

Just days before the parade is held on Aug. 4, the 15 bands participating in the march send two of their pariticipants up on stage to compete for the title of King and Queen.

"Each band sends a King and Queen to parade in front of the audience in massive colourful costumes that are sometimes 40-feet in height," Weir explained. "It requires strength and stamina to dance for 60 seconds. It is not unusual for a costume to fall over."

The competition and show for the 2012 King and Queen crowning takes place at Allan Lamport Stadium on August 2.

Parade Day

If you’ve never been to the Caribbean Carnival parade,  your eyes, ears and stomach will have plenty to take in.

The parade, which takes place the Sunday of every August long weekend between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., starts at Exhibition Place and makes its way 3.5-kilometres along Lake Shore Boulevard towards Ontario place. The parade features live performances including bands, masqueraders and street art.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect:

  • Music: Shake-a-tail feather with the many different rhythms of Soca, Reggae, Hip Hop, Calypso, Brass Bands, Chutney and Steel Pan. Bands will be performing as they make their way to Lake Shore Blvd. and each band features its own Caribbean theme.
  • Food: A variety of Caribbean cuisine and delicacies to try along the streets. Try some jerk chicken and roti or get daring and test out an ox tail, just a few examples of what your taste buds can expect.
  • Showcase: Arts and crafts celebrating all things Caribbean accompanied by African drumming. The selected King and Queen will of course showcase their costumes and moves during the parade.
  • Judges: Ten judges will be there to dish out marks for each band based on visual impact, authenticity, creativity, presentation, craftsmanship and mas on the move. The judges all had to pass a level of knowledge based on standards set in Trinidad. They will announce the winner of "Band of the Year" at the end of the parade.
  • Transportation: Public transit is your best choice and there are a couple of options to choose from. The 511 bus from Bathurst Station, the 509 Harbourfront streetcar from Union Station, or the 29 bus south from Dufferin Station.