This year the Toronto Caribbean Carnival celebrates its 55 year anniversary. Carnival is an annual tradition gifted to Canada by the Caribbean community that continues to celebrate the emancipation from slavery through a dynamic display of culture, music, spectacular costumes and events.
Historically, OPSEU/SEFPO’s Coalition of Racialized Workers has sponsored the grand parade over the years. This year, CORW invited children under 16 from the OPSEU/SEFPO membership to play Mas, connect with the community, participate and experience culture first hand at the Toronto Junior Carnival Parade on June 16th.
OPSEU/SEFPO’s Coalition of Racialized Workers worked with Nsoromma Design and Culture Group Inc to design custom costumes for 50 children to play mas with Saldenah Mas band. This years theme was “Streets on Fire” and the children of OPSEU/SEFPO, impressed the judges with their vibrant green costumes, portraying resilient plants that have adapted to tolerate fire and flourish as the next generation. As one of Canada’s leading demographic labour organization, OPSEU/SEFPO is known to be a strong union guided by respect, dignity and fairness. This commitment to stand up for the rights and dignity of all children no matter their abilities, was amplified in this OPSEU/SEFPO sponsored section as children had an opportunity to enjoy a day filled with rich cultural experience in a meaningful and inclusive way.
Stay tuned for your invitation to participate next year! Join the Coalition and bring the kids out to play mas to show appreciation for Caribbean culture with the extended community and other OPSEU/SEFPO members.
