CARIBANA IGNITE
5 things you need to know
Caribana Ignite is an exciting new addition to Waterloo Region’s summer festival lineup! The inaugural event takes place August 23-24, 2024 in Downtown Kitchener, and celebrates the diversity and vibrancy of the Caribbean.
Wondering what to expect? Here are 5 things you need to know so you’re ready to join the celebrations at Caribana Ignite!
1. Caribana Ignite – Meet Us on the Road
Caribana Ignite marks the first time Toronto’s Caribana festival has been hosted outside of the GTA!
Caribana Arts Group – the organization behind Caribana – chose Kitchener to host Caribana Ignite thanks to the strength of the community, the region’s multiculturalism, and its energy.
The inaugural Caribana Ignite festival is a joint venture between the City of Kitchener, the Caribana Arts Group and the Caribbean Canadian Association of Waterloo Region. And, just like the Caribana festival, Caribana Ignite is sure to be a celebration of the vibrancy of Caribbean heritage and the spirit of the Caribbean diaspora.
2. Meet Us In the Square
The Caribana Ignite festival weekend kicks off with a Glow Party in Downtown Kitchener’s Carl Zehr Square.
This family-friendly opening event will be jam-packed with the sights, sounds and flavours of the Caribbean. At dusk, grab a free glow stick and join in the party as we light up the square!
DATE: Friday, August 23rd, 2024
TIME: 6-10PM
LOCATION: Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener
COST: Free!
3. Meet Us on the Block – the Mas Parade
Carnival Mas (short for ‘masquerade’) Bands are the carnival version of a parade float! Masqueraders gather into groups that are represented by similar costumes/themes, and dance down the parade route following a truck playing music.
All ages are welcome to register to be a RoW Reveller and take part in the parade! Kids costumes can be purchased online in advance. Carnival headpieces for adults are also available and can be purchased when you register to be part of the Mas Bands.
DATE: Saturday, August 24th, 2024
TIME: 11AM – 6PM
LOCATION: Mas parade starts at Carl Zehr Square, Kitchener
REGISTRATION: at Caribana Ignite
4. Meet Us On The Block
Caribana Ignite is curating a vibe at Kitchener’s Gaukel Block!
This is where you’ll find the Toyota MMC Kids Zone, artisan and food vendors, dancers, DJs, and live performances. It’s a family-friendly FREE event where everyone can come as they are and experience the ultimate Caribbean block party!
DATE: Saturday, August 24th, 2024
TIME: 11AM – 6PM
LOCATION: Gaukel Block, Kitchener
5. Meet Us After Dark
When the sun goes down, the heat kicks up at Caribana Ignite! Imagine two nights of non-stop dancing that celebrate Caribbean culture and music: it’s exactly what you can expect at the Friday and Saturday night parties taking place at the Conrad Centre for the Performing Arts in Downtown Kitchener.
The Friday Nite Party starts at 9PM.
Saturday night, the After Party begins at 10PM.
Limited tickets are available for both events and can be purchased online at the following links:
Get ready to Meet Us on the Road and join in the excitement of Caribana Ignite!