As a young west-Indian resident of Toronto, I have been going to Caribana since before I can remember, when my mother would push me around in a stroller on a hot summer day as we all took in the festivities and the sights and sounds that we would have completely missed out on enjoying since Crop Over seemed like a world away. I have GROWN with Caribana and seen it’s changes and progression, and like Common to Hip-Hop, I have tried to adapt to the changes in the event and NOT be the old, angry Al-Bundy-esque DOUCHE sitting in the corner refusing to enjoy the parade because it’s not as great as the “good ol’ days’ – but I have FINALLY reached my breaking point with Caribana’s new charging-admission policy.
For those of you who DON’T know, it will now cost you $15 to get through the gate to enjoy Caribana and $50 to get “VIP premium seating.” Chris Alexander, CFO of the festivals management committee, said that getting 30,000 people in the viewing area it will help cover venue and organizational costs. The organizers will also generate more income from charging the $15 as a general admission fee, all in the name of covering costs. But my question is this: why the HELL does an event that brings in over $400 Million dollars annually to the province of Ontario’s economy have to be intrinsically self-sufficient?
So let me get this straight: Caribana attracts around 1 Million people into Toronto who sell out the cities hospitality, dining, alcohol, transportation and nightlife industries, and has reinvigorated our entire economy even throughout the financial crisis, and the ORGANIZERS still have to foot the majority of the bill while the city sits back, accepts ZERO risks and then profits ridiculously from the efforts of the organizers only to turn around and treat them like potential criminals and looseballs?
Why am I upset you ask? It’s NOT because $15 is a groundbreaking amount of money to pay, it’s moreso because of the idea that a festival supporting OUR West-Indian cultural heritage is being pimped worse than an artist signed to Bad Boy Records, so I say F*CK the city of Toronto & Scotiabank. In a city where the Bollywood International Film Academy was given a $12 Million dollar grant [with an expected $26 Million dollar return] and the weak ass Luminato Festival was given $15 Million [with an expected $80 Million return] then how the HELL do you justify an event expected to generate a $400 Million dollar economic return, only receiving $400,000? Oh and before you go praising Scotiabank’s “Generous” donation, if you aren’t aware of what it ACTUALLY is, it’s $10,000. Spectacular.
Well this time Caribana, I say you can go to hell with you admission price, and you can take your tickets, wrap them in your self-righteous and thinly-veiled racism and go F*^K yourselves. No more inadequate title sponsorship’s, no more underfunding from the city, and can we return to the days when instead of constantly accosting young Black people, the police we actually WITH us, at least for that ONE day:
Do you remember when Caribana was this live? Me neither.
This Is Your Conscience
65 Comments, Comment or Ping
lincolnanthonyblades
Ladies & Gentlemen, How Do You Feel About Caribana's new charging policy? Fair play or complete BS??
Jul 26th, 2011
BoomBam
Totally agree. Complete BS. The revenue from that weekend is phenomenal. And they want to charge tourists? They'll soon lose that revenue when people no linger attend the carnival.
Jul 26th, 2011
imakesense
Its not even called Caribana anymore:(.
Whoevers going make sure to look out for the Saldenah mas band costume "Milky Way".Its the hottest!!
Jul 26th, 2011
@craziijnell
LORD @ that last picture.
The last time I was at caribana, I was 12. Now they're charging…. I'm not sure I want to come back.
Jul 26th, 2011
MzDebbieFields
So why can't black people with money come together and get this event privately funded??
Jul 26th, 2011
MzDebbieFields
Why would people stop coming? Just because of an extra $15
Jul 26th, 2011
MzDebbieFields
Who cares what its called??! Isn't it the same parade??
Jul 26th, 2011
Independent Woman
West Indians aren't all just Black, they come in all shades and races…and if the city is getting the financial injection, then YES they should be footing the bill..
Here in NYC I will be damned if I ever have to pay to go to the Labor Day Parade or the Puerto Rican Day Parade!
Jul 26th, 2011
Crystal Promo-Fernandez
YUP! And I go to BOTH of those parades every year since I'm mixed with both cultures
Jul 26th, 2011
BionicWoman Aisha
This is ridiculous!! The amount of money my family spends this time of the year! We don't get together like this any other time of the year (not even Thanksgiving or Christmas) This was going to be the first year I was bringing my little girls to experience it! Is the entry fee going to stop me? NO! Am I disappointed? YES because this event just seems to be the citys way of pimpin out they coloured folks who they don't even fart on throughout the rest of the year! Its the one place groups of young balck males could walk around feeling NOT like they are doing something wrong! My oldest experience since being a preteen was walking around one end of Lakeshore and then up the other end taking in the vybes of the street and jus simply hanging out buying food, whistles, beverages supporting everyone along the way! Now what? I wonder how my girls who are just 3 and 4 will grow up with Caribana being? I wonder how it will evolve from here?
Jul 26th, 2011
Kam
First off Caribbanna is not a black event it's a Caribbean event ( not all caribbeans are black) so getting rich black people to privately fund it is ridiculous solution especially since the city itself which is not prodeminently Craibbean( or black) will profit from it. The city itself will profit 400 million b/c caribbana is a huge tourist attraction we get people all over the world that come to toronto for this event. The city of Toronto, hotel chains restaurants etc profit from this event.
Jul 26th, 2011
Kam
You have no sentiment of what tradition means. Caribana has been the events name for years. The change of the name is somewhat losing a traditional aspect of the event.
Jul 26th, 2011
Jamerican1
I will not be attending this year. They must be mad.
Jul 26th, 2011
imakesense
Ugh..go away you annoying sex addict
Jul 26th, 2011
MistaHarsh
same reason gays and believers of santa claus with money don't.
This question flat shows your failure and unwillingness to understand the issues at hand.
Jul 26th, 2011
MizzLoveLippz
I was under the impression that there was always a "paying patron" section which was just inside the CNE grounds. Are they going to charge me for watching from my usual Lakeshore, behind-the-fence section?!?!
Jul 26th, 2011
MistaHarsh
I don't quite understand. Are they charging $15 for people looking to hop the fences onto the route? The disruption of the parade route has been an issue for years. its sad when there's a huge gap between floats because young kids want to galavant behind the truck and slow down traffic. This might deter them.
However your points about other events funding and their ROI says a lot about how Cari….sorry the Toronto Scotiabank festival is viewed.
Why exactly did we allow Scotiabank to be the main(if not proprietary) sponsor for only $10gs. Why do we continue to ignore/low ball our selfworth.
**No one is going to give us what when don't demand for ourselves.**
That's why we have white female rappers saying the n word like its all gravy. But I digress.
Jul 26th, 2011
vivian
UHhh…………15$ per person does mean something espcially if you're on a tight budget. So I don't think its fair to under play how much 15$ means to an individual.
Aside from that they ruined it when they inserted the " pride" float into it. But I'm sorry they have their own parade to celebrate themselves. That's too bad they view us a culture that needs to bebroken down and eradicated.
Jul 26th, 2011
Kam
Exactly i have nothing to add just +1 this comment.
Jul 26th, 2011
Tameka DFL
Bana has been losing it's luster for YEARS now and it was only a matter of time before they started charging a fee. I can't say I'm surprised…. Appalled but definitely not surprised.
I will not attend another parade going forward. I'll happily find some other way to entertain myself around the city, or in my damn house!
Jul 26th, 2011
BoomBam
Simply put, why should they? The city is benefiting from the event.
And ignoring the assumption that this is just for Black people.
Jul 26th, 2011
Vicky
Can you be anymore ignorant??? Don't feel that you need to comment on everything considering you have missed the points on various subjects, further, you probably have NO clue about anything else other than ur nani
Jul 26th, 2011
HerCommonSense
There's so much competition all over the globe that Toronto should focus on staying competitive, not squeezing an extra few dollars out of the loyal patrons.
Jul 26th, 2011
HerCommonSense
No it's not, it's actually changing a lot which is the entire point of this post and all of our frustration. Please pay attention.
Jul 26th, 2011
HerCommonSense
I think continual support is extremely necessary.
Jul 26th, 2011
HerCommonSense
Great point.
Jul 26th, 2011
HerCommonSense
Exactly the same thing I was thinking. SMH
Jul 26th, 2011
HerCommonSense
Hopefully if we combine as a community and register our displeasure we can effect change so that when your girls get older they only know Caribana as the great festival that we all grown to love.
Jul 26th, 2011
HerCommonSense
I think you should continue to support the parade because it is better than nothing.
Jul 26th, 2011
HerCommonSense
Yes, there is now a $15 general admission fee just to get in period.
Jul 26th, 2011
HerCommonSense
White female rappers are saying the N word? Really?
Jul 26th, 2011
HerCommonSense
I wonder how the Gay community would have reacted to a Jamaican float being in the Pride parade?
Jul 26th, 2011
HerCommonSense
I think you should still make an effort to support the parade.
Jul 26th, 2011
masqurader
omg people… stop your noise….
the $15.00 fee is for spectators who want to see the parade from the stands on the CNE grounds… they have this EVERY year people….
if you want to watch the parade for free.. haul your ass further down the lakeshore……
why can't people be supportive of something positive… always looking for something to complain about… goodness…
Jul 26th, 2011
MzDebbieFields
Sorry for liking sex…NOT!
Jul 26th, 2011
MzDebbieFields
Ok it hasn't been changed to the International Music Festival or something like that, it was just a slight alteration…what's the problem with something that slight?
Jul 26th, 2011
MzDebbieFields
$15 will not break anyone's pockets..
Jul 26th, 2011
MzDebbieFields
Exactly what I was saying!
Jul 26th, 2011
MzDebbieFields
Ummm no actually I know what I'm talking about but everyone is being overly sensitive instead of just looking at the issue rationally
Jul 26th, 2011
MzDebbieFields
Ok so if you want the city's money then you have to play by their rules…that's the point of getting a grant or getting sponsorship..if they don't want to then go get privately funded
Jul 26th, 2011
MzDebbieFields
Your point makes no sense? gays and santa clause??
Jul 26th, 2011
wbm
Calm down people, they have a grandstand area for $15. They aren't charging, and cannot charge, each of the several hundred thousand people that would attend.
I also agree that organizers should cancel it one year. This event should be funded at a far higher level than it is given its proven value to the city. That funding should come with proper accounting, however.
Jul 26th, 2011
Vicky
Because you are not from Toronto. Let me break this down for you to understand:
Gays = Gay pride parade, probably the biggest in the world
Santa Clause = The Santa Clause parade, you know that jolly fat guy that comes around Christmas. Do you want me to explain what Christmas is too?
Jul 26th, 2011
Vicky
Rationally?? Thinking that people from the Caribbean are all black, that's real rational!
You have NO say in this, just be gone
Jul 26th, 2011
Kam
lol Vicky "do you want me to explain what Christmas is too" hahahaha
Jul 26th, 2011
m123
I'm going to let you in on the whole point of the blog: its not about the money its the PRINCIPLE.
Also if you have a family of like 5 that's $75 in total plus whatever other costs there are. So before you start asking all sorts of nonsense questions please understand the point of the blog first.
Jul 26th, 2011
m123
Lmao.
Jul 26th, 2011
Kam
It's not a slight change at all. You are not Caribbean so I don't expect you to understand and even so you're not smart enough to even look at this name change from a different persepective. The name has changed from caribana to the scotiabank festival why is a cooperate banks name in something that is Caribbean tradition?
Jul 26th, 2011
Vicky
Or better yet charge admission…
Jul 26th, 2011
TANYA
Why am I upset you ask? It’s NOT because $15 is a groundbreaking amount of money to pay, it’s moreso because of the idea that a festival supporting OUR West-Indian cultural heritage is being pimped worse than an artist signed to Bad Boy Records, so I say F*CK the city of Toronto & Scotiabank. In a city where the Bollywood International Film Academy was given a $12 Million dollar grant [with an expected $26 Million dollar return] and the weak ass Luminato Festival was given $15 Million [with an expected $80 Million return] then how the HELL do you justify an event expected to generate a $400 Million dollar economic return, only receiving $400,000? Oh and before you go praising Scotiabank’s “Generous” donation, if you aren’t aware of what it ACTUALLY is, it’s $10,000. Spectacular. <<<<< THIS SUMS IT UP! STRAIGHT BS!!!
Jul 26th, 2011
MistaHarsh
yup its an issue bubbling in the hiphop community right now I'm not even going to mention their names. They'll get no pub from me
Jul 26th, 2011
MistaHarsh
How sad is it that we must register our displeasure to cause an unlikely change. Wasn't this event ours? Before our eyes we've witnessed another cultural landmark and its ownership being stripped from our hands.
When do we realize the importance of ownership is control. We shouldn't have to beg/petition/protest anything.
we've slipped to the shorter end of the stick.
Jul 26th, 2011
MistaHarsh
To all the people saying they won't attend the event YOU are part of the problem. By walking away and disowning it just gives them more reason to takeover the event and not give us ANY input at all.
By not participating you take away your voice and the outcome can be catastrophic. We see it in politics we aren't even acknowledged anymore. Our minority is get replaced by other minorities that actually want to be involved ie asians, gays. and because of it they are slowly becoming more productive in society, while the more we back out/not show up/exclude OURSELVES the more unproductive we've become.
I say show up bring EVERYONE. Pay the $15 or get in "trew the bac" it doesn't matter. Make sure they know NO ONE can tell us how to, where to and when to enjoy Scot…NO… CARIBANA WEEKEND! Support local businesses and while you are doing all those things make sure you voice your concern and displeasure with how corporations are handling this important event while providing better solutiona and all the while making plans to attend next year's festivities AGAIN because it is OURS!
Jul 26th, 2011
Gigi
I've been coming for 10 years and every year is less enjoyable and more hassle! Last year they search my friend at the border after forcing the drug dog to sniff her over and over. Some hotel won't let you have a guest in your hotel room now. It has really changed. This will be my last year and only cause my costume is paid for. From now on it's Miami carnival and they give you free drinks!
Jul 26th, 2011
stephen weir
I work for "Caribana". Nothing has changed this year, except the name. The route has been extended inside the CNE to allow all of the bands onto the street. That has given the organizers room to add some bleachers. So, it is still free. You can see it from where ever you were last year. However, if you want to sit down and watch, you can. The bleachers are near the automotive building, in an area where no one was able to reach last year.
Jul 27th, 2011
theoneash20
LMAO @ that pic
Jul 27th, 2011
vivian
Your right I really don't thunk they would ever offer. Besides that would be the last place you would see a west indian float of any type.
Jul 27th, 2011
Kaay
Someone's spreading rumours. Half this information is true. You pay $15 general, $50 VIP to watch the parade from inside of the CNE. It's been like that every year though. You CAN still line up against the lakeshore and watch the parade from behind the fence for FREE. People are STILL going to get the opportunity to jump into the parade at some point for FREE. They just extended the route inside the CNE so mas players have more road to their self to enjoy – After all mas players paid way more than a little $15 to play mas. I doubt they'd make such a change on short notice. Took them long enough to change the name, and it's been debatable for how many years now? Even though I still know it and love it as Caribana. Don't believe everything you're told until you experience it for yourself. Smh.
Jul 27th, 2011
MzDebbieFields
Exactly
Jul 27th, 2011
Jason Howe
Sorry I am kinda ignorant to Caribana, however…. I do recall the public sentiment changing regarding funding after it was found that the administration at the time was basically pocketing the loot.
Jul 28th, 2011
Dave
You have to stop talking and put something in your mouth.
Jul 29th, 2011
Tasneem
You never seem to understand anything. its some company trying make profit off of our heritage. who gave them the right. i hope all my West Indian massive in Toronto speak up and make them change it back. the purpose of Caribana was for Caribbean people to celebrate their heritage and come together as one. NOT for some company to make profit off of it.
Jul 29th, 2011
Mr.boy
LOL ok debbie im not gunna get at you cause everyone else has. But yes 15 isn't a lot for one person. But this event derived from Trinidad….whos carnival makes Toronto's look like poop when you talk of numbers. Last time i checked there is no huge fences and rey tey tey.
But really people your getting angry at the wrong thing the problem is that the city of toronto is as been said pimping this parade. The go make me some money bitch type of feel. And as for the pride parade im pretty sure they dont get money either. But they arent half as big. So the issue is that caribana has all these people coming and the city doesn't help….sooooo scotiabank has to take over it…which i can say im not to happy over. It all depends how you takeover….this feels like colonialism. Scotia bank should not have full ownership of this. At the same time the city should make a avid decision to help support the two biggest parades in CANADA that reside in Toronto. The smaller pride parade and the huge Caribana…(sorry im not buying into the name change). Dont get it twisted im not gay or anything i just believe in equality. So straight up the city is SLACKING!!!!
Jul 31st, 2011
Angela
There was always a charge for the bleachers. I paid up to $18.00 last year but the difference is that this year it was awful. Waste of time. Go back to the old bleachers.
Jul 31st, 2011
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