Special Events Stabilization Initiative Missed Caribana (or did it)

Christmas Comes Early for Toronto Festivals—But Not the Caribbean Carnival

BY STEPHEN WEIR
More than 80 Toronto festivals received $1.6 million in funding through the city’s new Special Events Stabilization Initiative (SESI). Announced two weeks ago, the program supported major events like the Santa Claus Parade, Toronto Pride Festival, Beaches Jazz Festival, Luminato, JerkFest, and the Toronto Jazz Festival.
Last week, reporter Stephen Weir obtained the full list of funded events. While festivals like Afrofest ($44,080), JerkFest ($91,450), and Afro-Carib Fest ($22,370) made the cut, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival—a massive cultural draw and one of the city’s most financially strained events—received nothing. Signature Carnival events like the Grande Parade, King and Queen competition, and Pan Alive were all excluded.
In contrast, the Pride Parade and Santa Claus Parade each received $100,000, while Luminato was granted $83,000. Even the Harbourfront Centre’s Canada Day Soul and Soca Festival, which featured Destra Garcia and competed with the Carnival’s Grande Parade in 2024, received $11,200.

Why No Carnival Funding?

The exclusion of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival raises questions. Did the Festival Management Committee (FMC) apply for funding? Are they waiting on another city program? Most importantly, will the Carnival return in 2025?
Attempts to contact FMC Chair Jennifer Hirlehey and CEO Mischka Crichton for clarification went unanswered. The FMC’s website offers no insights beyond a petition for financial support and a banner promising 2025 event details “soon.”
Toronto’s festivals are vital to the city’s cultural and economic fabric, generating significant revenue for local businesses. The SESI program was designed as a one-time relief measure to help festivals manage rising costs for health, safety, and security measures.
“Toronto’s festivals bring people together, celebrate our diversity, and make the city vibrant,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “Through this program, we’re helping organizations thrive and continue building community.”
Will the Carnival Return in 2025?

Despite the lack of funding, indications suggest the Carnival will proceed in 2025. Freedom Mas Band has already announced on Facebook that the Grand Parade will take place on August 2, 2025 and that it will be holding a parade costume launch and Black History Month celebration in Mississauga in early February.
For now, the future of one of Toronto’s largest and most iconic cultural celebrations is best described as wobblily.