The
notion of
sharing culture and friendship with other Albertans is not new to Caribbean-Albertans. In 1966, a
small group of Caribbean
immigrant students at the University of Alberta in Edmonton formed the West
Indian Society to meet others from their homelands and
enjoy the company and familiarity. The students also participated
in the city's Klondike Days, a
major summer festival that allowed the group to share
and celebrate their rich culture. Following this event, in the early
1970s, the Society hosted "West Indian Week," which
included theatre,
Caribbean steel-band recitals, film festivals and artwork by Caribbean-Albertan artisans.
Continuing to share their cultural traditions, in 1986 the Western Carnival Development Association was
incorporated to develop and maintain a Caribbean cultural festival
in Edmonton that would involve the entire community. The
celebration, Cariwest,
is now a highly
successful annual event, rooted in the Carnival traditions of Trinidad
and Tobago immigrants. To this end, Cariwest colourfully celebrates
the Caribbean-Canada community.
Traditional Carnival Carnival is a very old tradition, dating as far back as the
Renaissance and Middle Ages. Modern Carnivals, such as Cariwest, are still
celebrated throughout the
world. The festivities are a part of a long tradition
shared by many different Caribbean
peoples. Costumes and music are essential and participants perform in masquerade
bands that depict various themes drawn from nearly all aspects
of life. However, nothing is more important than dancing or
"jumping up" and being able to enjoy oneself.
Heritage Community Foundation Presents
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