Built to Celebrate & Share Caribbean Culture
From Cariwest’s humble beginnings in 1984 as part of the Klondike Days Parade, the festival has grown to become Western Canada’s largest Caribbean arts celebration. Organized and cultivated by the Western Carnival Development Association (W.C.D.A) in the decades since then, Cariwest is proud to be the platform in which Caribbean immigrants in Edmonton can indulge and share their culture over three days, every August.
Who is Involved
And Who is Welcome to Join
Cariwest employs the talents of musicians and dancers from all over the world to bring the melodies of Soca, Steel Pan, Reggae, and Calypso to Edmontonians. Cariwest provides an opportunity for those who are unfamiliar with Caribbean culture to experience the traditions. The festival is free and open to all who choose to attend; there is an entrance fee for some special events.
What to Expect
And What Are the Vibes
“Vibes” is a slang for having a good time good energy (vibrations). Cariwest vibes refer to the high-energy, joyful, and celebratory atmosphere that defines our carnival. It’s all about freedom, self-expression, and an electrifying mix of music, dance, and culture.
Every year, Cariwest hosts a parade in downtown Edmonton where the streets are filled with people in colourful costumes dancing to the beat of Caribbean music. The parade is just the beginning of the festivities and ends in Edmonton’s Churchill Square, which is transformed into the official Caribbean Village. In the village, there is Caribbean food, goods, beer, rum gardens, and live music on the Cariwest stage.
Cariwest’s vibes are all about good energy, good people, and an unforgettable time.
Celebrating a Joyous 40 Years of Culture!
Check out some of last year’s photos below.
2023 Cariwest
2023 Mas Band Launch
