TORONTO - Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty kicked off the Caribbean Carnival, formerly known as Caribana, in downtown Toronto Saturday morning.

The two were on hand to cut the ceremonial ribbon and take part in a ceremonial drive down the parade route.

The Caribbean Carnival parade then began inside the CNE grounds and travelled along a 3.5-kilometre stretch of Lake Shore Boulevard until about 6 p.m.

Festival CEO Denise Herrera-Jackson says more than 18,000 dancers and 16 bands performed throughout the parade.

Thousands of people from around the world were expected to attend.