July 14-August 1, Toronto, Canada
Billed as the largest cultural festival of its kind in North America, Toronto's Caribana Festival is an exciting celebration of Caribbean music and culture. The city explodes with the rhythms of calypso, reggae, hip-hop, steel bands and other music associated with the Caribbean. Hundreds of events featuring music, food, dance, art and theatre are on offer, along with plenty of official and unofficial parties. The festival culminates with the sensational Caribana Parade, when more than 10,000 dancers and theatrical performers in elaborate costumes strut their stuff along a 3.6km route, accompanied by the vibrant beats of the Caribbean's famous mas bands.
