August 9 – 11, 2013: A colourful costume extravaganza, calypso competition, and a gala parade energize this festival in celebration of Caribbean culture with its dances, block party, steel band competition, and other activities. No need to shell out for a tropical vacation — the infectious enthusiasm, bright colours, upbeat music, characteristic of a trip to a Caribbean island are re-created in downtown Edmonton, turning 104 St. into a makeshift Caribbean Village! Visit the CariWest 2013 website for a complete schedule and event information.
Not sure what to try first? Never been to CariWest before? Here’s five extra-awesome events you should check out first:
5 Must-See CariWest Events:
1. Grand Costume Parade: Get the party started with a vibrant, electrifying costume parade set to non-stop upbeat tunes from steel drum players. Feathers and sequins and colour galore! Saturday, August 10, 12 pm; The parade will begin on 99 Avenue and 107 Street, proceeding North on 107 Street to 102 Avenue, heading East, down 102 Avenue to Churchill Square (100 Street).
2. CariWest Fete: As the sun goes down the party heats up! Dance the night away to live steel pan, reggae, hip hop, and calypso music. Caribbean artist Bunji Garlin will be live in concert — you may recognize his hit song “Differentology“, remixed by Major Lazer in a debut at Coachella 2013. Tickets should be purchased in advance via Tix on the Square, 1.877.888.1757. Saturday, August 10, 9 pm; ENCORE Nightclub, West Edmonton Mall.
3. Children’s Mini-Festival: Young festival-goers will enjoy a bounce-y castle, youth dancers, and activities. Sunday, August 11, 1 pm; Churchill Square (100 St. & 102 Ave.)
4. Eat! The festival is a great opportunity to indulge in authentic Carribean foods like jerk pork, curried chicken, citrus-flavoured treats, and coconut drops.
5. Costume Extravaganza: Enjoy delicious Caribbean food while participants show off their most elaborate festival costumes. The competition will be fierce! Who will be crowned King and Queen of the Mas’ Bands for Cariwest 2013? Tickets should be purchased in advance via Tix on the Square, 1.877.888.1757. Friday, August 9, 7 pm; Shaw Conference Center Hall A., 9797 Jasper Ave.
