As Toronto gears up for the spectacular celebration of Caribbean culture, set to take place in July and August of this year, Jennifer Hirlehey, the Executive Chair of the Festival Management Committee, the producers of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formerly CARIBANA), is calling upon Caribbean business interests to seize the opportunity to showcase their brands to the anticipated 2.3 million attendees and millions more who interact with the Carnival via multiple viewing and online platforms.
Hirlehey, an attorney at law, has been spearheading transformative initiatives since assuming leadership of the Carnival a year ago. With a new strategic vision to reshape the Toronto Carnival into a more dynamic, efficient, and elevated event, she and the new management team have been working to establish the Carnival as both a cultural phenomenon and a thriving business platform for Caribbean interests. “Our vision for the Toronto Carnival extends beyond exposing the rich cultural heritage. We also see the Festival as an opportunity to develop a vibrant business hub, offering unprecedented opportunities for businesses to showcase to millions of attendees and viewers,” said Hirlehey.
It is estimated that the Toronto Carnival has an economic impact of over $500M, involving thousands of related businesses from parties and events, hotels, hospitality, food and restaurants, and other cultural-based organizations. The Festival, which attracts millions of visitors from the U.S.A, the Caribbean, Toronto, and other parts of Canada, is also viewed live on national television and various streaming platforms as well as thousands of other digital and social media accounts. “There is no other platform like the Toronto Carnival to expose and build your brand,” said the new Executive Chair. “We believe that now is the time for Caribbean business interests to take advantage of the significant opportunities that the Carnival brings,” she said.
The journey is not a short-term one according to Mischka Crichton, CEO of the Toronto Carnival. She explained that the organization is also preparing for its 60th celebrations set to take place in 2027. “We are planning a spectacular affair building on the hard work of our predecessors to commemorate 60 years of growing the largest festival of its kind in North America,” she said. Crichton is inviting business interests to grow with the Carnival.
Participating businesses can expect increased brand visibility, access to a large and diverse audience, potential sales opportunities, and networking possibilities with other businesses and attendees. “The Carnival presents a prime business platform for any entity wishing to access millions of viewers, participants, and small businesses associated with the event,” said Crichton.
This year the Carnival events include an Official Launch event on June 15, the Jr. King and Queen on July 14, the Junior Parade on July 20, the OPCA Calypso Showcase on July 28, the King and Queen on August 1, the OSA Panorama and Friday Night Mas both on August 2, the Grand Parade August 3, the Toronto Rum Festival and Pan in D’ Park both on August 4.