City partners with Toronto’s Caribana Arts Group to bring CaribanaTM Ignite to Kitchener

The City of Kitchener, in partnership with Caribana Arts Group, presents CaribanaTM Ignite from August 23-24, 2024! Caribana TM Ignite will feature a stunning street theatre presentation and street party that showcases the true essence of carnival, the hottest up-and-coming carnival designers, and the diversity and vibrancy of the Caribbean, all in one celebration.

“On behalf of the City of Kitchener and Council, I am thrilled to welcome the Caribana Arts Group and Caribana TM Ignite festival to our community. This celebration will contribute to the social, cultural and economic vibrancy of Kitchener,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “Thank you to the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region and our committed community leaders and volunteers who have collaborated with our team to bring this idea to life. I look forward to celebrating the taste of food and vibes of Caribbean culture with our entire community this August.”

With a shift away from the traditional parade, Caribana TM Ignite will take on a street performance and street party format that will allow festival goers to feel as though they have a front row seat on the carnival runway. Kitchener’s Carl Zehr Square, Downtown Kitchener will be transformed into Carnival Village where festival attendees can enjoy the diversity of Caribbean culture and arts.

“We are excited to bring CaribanaTM outside of Toronto for the first time ever!” said Davina Reid, Chair of the Caribana Arts Group. “We’re grateful to the City of Kitchener for co-hosting this event with us, and we’d also like to thank the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region, our community partner, for embracing this opportunity! Our aim is to present a unique showcase that will introduce Kitchener and visitors from around the region to the cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, and visual and performing arts known as CaribanaTM. Kitchener, get ready to feel the heat with Caribana TM Ignite!”

“The CCAWR is excited to be partnering with the Caribana Arts Group for this exciting event. Our mission of promoting the social, cultural and economic interests of the Region's Caribbean community aligns perfectly with helping to bring Canada's premiere Caribbean festival here,” said Lannois Carroll-Woolery, President of the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region. “We thank the City of Kitchener for their leadership. ‘We ready to fete!’"

Caribana TM Ignite was announced by Mayor Berry Vrbanovic at a special KW Titans game earlier this evening with live performances by Dance Caribe Performing Company and Acoustic Steel. Event organizers teased festival details and are encouraging people to stay tuned for more information in the months ahead.

To stay up to date as more Caribana Ignite festival details are available subscribe to www.kitchener.ca/CaribanaIgnite or visit www.caribana.com/ignite.

For more information, contact: 

Shawn Falcao 
Manager, Corporate Communications 
City of Kitchener 

shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca

Davina Reid
Chair, Caribana Arts Group
chair@caribana.com