These animated shorts capture the colour, pageantry and meaning behind Caribana and Emancipation Day
6 artists and community members share how they celebrate freedom through costumes, parades and good food
This year, Caribana kicks off on August 1, Emancipation Day. FreeUp! is shining a light on a few artists and community members as they reflect on what Emancipation Day and Caribana mean to them through a series of animations. Each vibrant and joyous short captures the heart and nostalgia for each person, from the extravagant costumes, vibrant parades, energetic people and amazing food.
Celena Seusahai: the Queen of Carnival
Celena Seusahai is celebrating her third year as the Queen of Carnival. In this animation, she describes her costume as the most sparkly costume she's ever worn. Celena, an artist who is a strong advocate for diversity and representation as seen in her work, calls both Emancipation Day and Caribana a "celebration of freedom."
Albert Wiggan: Food and dancing make a great combo
Albert Wiggan is the owner of Albert's Jamaican Restaurant in Toronto and is an active member of his community. Originally from Jamaica, Albert brought the vibrant flavors and traditions of his homeland to Canada, creating a beloved culinary destination known for its authentic Jamaican dishes. For him, food and dancing is the mark of a great celebration and both are abundant during Caribana.
Truman: It's all about food!
Much like Albert, Truman equates the amazing food during Caribana to celebration.
Truman works at Onyx Barbers, a well-known and highly regarded barbershop, renowned for its community involvement, offering programs like "Groom The City" and providing free haircuts for kids on weekends. Not to mention their expert fades, line-ups, and fresh cuts.
In this animation, Truman reminisces about the food he enjoys during Caribana, lining up at all the vendors and digging into some delicious fried fish.
Glamma: Celebrating with celebs
Glamma is a vibrant and charismatic DJ known for her energetic sets and eclectic taste in music. Beyond the turntables, Glamma is also a dedicated community advocate, using her platform to support various social causes and uplift emerging artists.
She shares that her favourite thing about Caribana is seeing all the celebrities come to Toronto to party with everyone in their best outfits. To her, Emancipation Day and Caribana means you can let go and be free.
DJ L'OQENZ: A magical moment
Based in Toronto, L'OQENZ is a dynamic and innovative DJ who has built a reputation for her exceptional skills and unique ability to seamlessly mix diverse musical styles, captivating audiences at clubs, festivals, and events across the globe.
Her fond memories of growing up involve going to the Caribana parade with her father, who would hoist her up on his shoulders and onto one of the trucks where she could feel the vibrations from all the energy in the crowd. She describes it as "a very magical moment for [her] as a child."
ZAN: Looking for community
When Suzanne Coy, a.k.a. ZAN, first arrived in Canada, she was looking for a Jamaican community to feel at home. The actor/producer recalled her first Caribana where she captured her most vivid memory during the festival when she came across a beauty contest where she saw some of the best entertainers in the city. ZAN sadly passed away August 11, 2023.
In previous years, FreeUp! Emancipation Day has been celebrated with an anthology of artists, performers and reflective interstitials that commemorate the abolition of slavery in Canada and across the British Empire.
Now, 190 years later, FreeUp! 2024 is returning to its roots with a free in-person event, held at Union Station in Toronto on August 1 starting at 5ET.
CREDITS:
Animation Director: BEDDO
Animation Illustrator: BEDDO
Animator: RIAD
Producer: SARA SCHWARTZ GELLER
Editor: EZEKIEL AKINTOLA
Videographer:TRE MCCALLA
Writer: NGOZI PAUL
