Official Statement on Caribana 2020 Event in Toronto
If you were planning to play mas this year, then you will have to wait. This year, the annual Caribana celebration in Toronto, Canada has been cancelled!
Toronto Caribana is the largest carnival celebration in North America. For the first time in 52 years, this is the first year that there will not be a celebration. Toronto Caribbean Carnival released a statement sighting the reason for the cancellation is due to the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic.
It should be noted that Caribana festivities draw in an estimated 2 million people every year. The decision seems reasonable given the circumstances. There is still much uncertainty with the spread of the virus. At this time, it is not a given as to when it will be safe for a crowd of this size.
Certainly, there were many people looking forward to this celebration. But this may be for the best for the safety of everyone.
Related: A Guide to Experiencing Your First Toronto Caribana
On April 8th, Toronto Carnival released the following statement via their community updates:
Toronto Caribbean Carnival is Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic.
The Board of Directors of the Festival Management Committee has decided that due to the continued developments concerning the spread of COVID-19, the severe public health threat, and global health crisis, the month-long events held in July-August is cancelled.The events include the Festival Launch, Junior King and Queen Show, Junior Parade, Adult King and Queen Show, Pan Alive, and Grand Parade.
CORONAVIRUS AND COVID-19: STATEMENT FROM TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL – 2020 FESTIVAL CANCELLED. TorontoCarnival.ca
Read the official full statement HERE.
Looking for a Refund?
If you had already planned ahead and wondering if you can get your money back, then rest easy. As a result, The Official Toronto Carnival site has updated their refund policy. See their statement via Twitter regarding the updated terms:
In light of the evolving situation with COVID-19, we have revised our refund policies to reflect the fast-developing nature of this public health situation.
— Toronto Carnival (@GoTOCarnival) April 9, 2020
Below are the options available for our event tickets,… https://t.co/qtuPZXArfp
Twitter’s Reaction to Caribana’s Cancellation
Without a doubt, Twitter had something to say about the decision. Reactions have been pouring in since the release of the details. Here’s how some took the news via Twitter:
The moment people heard the announcement that #Caribana is Officially Cancelled…. pic.twitter.com/o1waiF5XZF
— 🇹🇹 (@DJ_Brisco) April 9, 2020
Of course we saw it coming, BUT IT DID NOT TAKE AWAY THE HURT #Caribana
— 𝓢𝓸𝓬𝓪𝓱𝓸𝓵𝓲𝓬💃 (@nsxlaced) April 9, 2020
Dear Summer, we waited SEVERAL long cold months just for you, now this….THIS!? #caribana pic.twitter.com/UuTj9Au2g8
— Power Puff (@EM_OHH_EE) April 9, 2020
highkey sad that #caribana 2020 is cancelled 🙁
— sierra (@sierrajaniee) April 10, 2020
With a pandemic that still has no clear end in the near future, it is wise to protect the community. Those that were looking forward to summer 2020, will have to keep waiting.
2020 Caribana is cancelled, but let’s see what 2021 brings to Toronto!
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