Ontario Investing $1.5 Million in the Success of the 2025 Toronto Caribbean Carnival

August 1, 2025

Helping deliver one of North America’s largest cultural festivals

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing $1.5 million to support the 2025 Toronto Caribbean Carnival. Provincial funding will ensure this long-standing festival of Caribbean culture will provide summer fun for the people of Ontario – while welcoming guests from around the world and driving economic growth for Toronto and beyond.

“The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is one of Ontario’s most cherished summertime festivals, bringing together the best of Caribbean music, dance, cuisine, and artistic attire,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Now more than ever, we need to protect Ontario by supporting experiences that boost our economy and showcase and celebrate the places and people that make our province so remarkable.”

One of the largest cultural festivals in North America, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival attracts millions of people from around the world – more than two million people attend each year, including almost 750,000 domestic and international visitors who come to Toronto to partake in the festival’s activities. The festival also contributes approximately $500 million to the provincial economy, supporting more than 3,300 jobs and generating more than $180 million in combined federal, provincial, and municipal tax revenues.

“The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and creativity that brings people together from across Ontario,” said Laura Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thornhill. “Our government’s $1.5 million investment reaffirms our commitment to supporting cultural festivals that enrich our province. This funding will help ensure the 2025 Carnival continues to thrive as an extraordinary event that showcases the best of Caribbean culture.”

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival showcases artistry through the creation and display of costumes, music, dance and cuisine. For more information, events calendar and to purchase tickets for paid events, please visit the TCC website.

QUICK FACTS

· The Toronto Caribbean Carnival began in 1967 as “Caribana,” a community-led initiative to celebrate Canada’s Centennial by showcasing Caribbean culture.

· Performers at this year’s carnival will include Mas Bands, Steelpan players, Calypso artists, Stick fighting and Stilt walkers.

· Most of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, including the new Carnival Village events in Sankofa Square and Coronation Park, and the Grand Parade along Lakeshore Boulevard, are free and open to the public.

· Best known for the Grand Parade and related August events, carnival events take place from summer to winter.