Toronto’s Caribana 2009 was everyhing I expected and more. After two cancelled flights, one out of La Guardia and the other Newark Airports respectively on Friday the 31st July, I was rescheduled on a flight leaving on Aug 1st at 8:40 a.m. out of La Guardia. I arrived two hours early at the airport, only to find the Police, FBI, News Media and many displaced passengers being kept at bay from entering the terminal that I was headed for. At first I was in a state of shock, then I thought that maybe the gods are sending me a message and that I should take the hint and just stay home. But I just did not want to give up my first Caribana so fast. As it turned out, a crazed bomber, had shut down my terminal with a bomb threat. After a couple of hours of waiting, he was in custody, and I was able to board the plane bound for Toronto. WHEW! This can only happen in New York City and of course to me!

I arrived in Toronto, was picked up by my cousins at the airport, and whisked away to the Caribana Festival. But not before, a quick change into a short demin skirt, a cotton shirt knotted securely at the waist, a pair of gladiator knee high sandals, and aviator sun glasses. It was my selected attire for Carnival and I was ready to go. With my luggage secured in the trunk of the car, I joined the festivities and soon forgot about the earlier drama.

My excitement was riding high, but I was starving. I could smell the jerk chicken, peas and rice, and the curry goat at one of the food stands so I joined the long food line and the feast began. I relished a roasted corn on the cob, along with the other foods mentioned and washed it down with an icy cold beer. By then the floats were in full motion, with music blaring, people just danced with friends and strangers alike to every Island beat. I saw some crazy stuff and laughed until my cheeks hurt. One woman was dancing on the top of a slow-moving truck, which carried steel pan musicians playing familiar sounds. While others waved flags, cheered and shouted remarks of all types. Reggae music was met by scanting(Reggae Dance), and dreads shaking from the heads of many. I took loads of pictures, and was caught in many of the floats. That was when I wished that I was wearing different garb. You know something with feathers and sparkle.

In the end I left the Caribana Festival in fine spirits and abandoned inhibitions with my cousins. I was enthralled by the experience, and by the civility and inclusion of the people. And because of this, I plan to attend the upcoming New York Labor Day Parade in Sept.,'09. Stay tuned, I'm thinking a Boa, loads of sparkle and a mask. Definitely a mask! For photos on this topic, please click on the link below.