Опис події
The Afro Caribbean Festival YYC is a two-day festival celebrating African and Caribbean culture in Calgary. The event brings communities together around music, dance, art, cuisine, and cultural stories, creating an inclusive space to learn about the traditions and heritage of people of African descent in Calgary and beyond.
Dates and location
- Date: September 6–7
- Location: Cowboys Park, Calgary
Hours (according to the program):
- Saturday, September 6: 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
- Sunday, September 7: 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Idea, mission, and vision of the festival
The organizers position the festival as a platform for promoting the rich and diverse African and Caribbean cultural heritage through music, dance, art, food, and storytelling, as well as an event that strengthens cultural pride, mutual understanding, and multiculturalism in Calgary.
The festival's website also states that the event offers promotional opportunities for businesses/organizations, with an estimated 15,000 visitors.
What to expect at the festival
1) Flag Parade (Flag Parade / Cultural Parade)
The festival includes a flag-raising parade that highlights cultural diversity and the connection between African and Caribbean traditions, combining this with music, dance, and cuisine.
2) Fashion Show
A show of national and contemporary clothing and costumes from different regions of Africa and the Caribbean is planned, including Dashikis, Kente cloth, Boubous, Kangas, Djellabas, Madras fabric, and Carnival costumes. The format includes not only a fashion show, but also explanations of the cultural meaning and symbolism of the clothing.
3) Kids Corner
The festival will feature a Kids' Zone with activities that help children learn about cultural heritage through play: storytelling, art and craft workshops, drumming and dance lessons, as well as traditional games such as Mancala and Ludo.
4) Food Corner (food zone with Afro-Caribbean cuisine)
Food vendors will be serving authentic dishes and drinks. The event page lists the following examples: Jollof Rice, Suya, Nyama Choma, Tagines, Jerk Chicken, Roti, Doubles, as well as Rum Cake, Sorrel Drink, Ginger Beer; tastings and/or cooking demonstrations are also allowed.
5) Performances and cultural program
The festival is presented as a platform to support local artists of African descent, as well as multicultural participants. Performances of traditional and contemporary dance, live drums, singing, spoken word, and elements of theatrical performances are expected.
Program (agenda)
Saturday, September 6 (Cowboys Park, 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.)
-
9:00–10:00 a.m. — DJ & Music
-
10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Opening, Music and Cultural Exhibition
-
2:00 p.m. — Flag / Cultural Parade
-
3:00 p.m. — Fashion Show
-
3:30 p.m. — Reggae Tone (Dance Workshop)
-
4:00 p.m. — Marabou Dance Group
-
4:30 p.m. — Yolanda Sargeant
-
6:00 p.m. — Reggae Tone (Dance Workshop)
-
7:00 p.m. — FEMINA NETWORK proudly presents: Reine Awoulaba – Queen Awoulaba
-
8:00 p.m. — DJ & Music
Sunday, September 7 (Cowboys Park, 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.)
-
9:00–11:00 a.m. — Music and Cultural Exhibition
-
12:00 p.m. — Kirar Performance – Fuzum
-
1:00 p.m. — Reggae Tone
-
2:00 p.m. — Fashion Show
-
3:30 p.m. — Senegalese Dance Mix
-
4:00 p.m. — Rap – by Ace
-
5:00 p.m. — Gospel Performance – Arlene Taylor
-
6:00 p.m. — DJ Time & Music
-
6:30 p.m. — Reggae Tone
-
7:00 p.m. — DJ & Music
