Trinidad and Tobago celebrates its 60th Anniversary of Independence on 31AUG 2022, with a series of events taking place across the City of Toronto to commemorate the twin-island nation's milestone.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto, in conjunction with Tourism Trinidad Limited and the Tobago Tourism Agency Ltd, will officially kickstart the celebrations at Crave on 09JUL. Dubbed a "VIP all-inclusive event," it takes place at Ontario Place (West Island). Guests will experience a variety of cultural offerings, including entertainment paired with a unique culinary experience featuring food and drinks of Trinidad and Tobago.
The calendar of commemorative events and celebrations of the 60th Anniversary of Independence will also include partnerships with Toronto Chow Fest and the Caribbean Golf Social. In addition, there will be collaborations with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival events (King and Queen Showcase and Pan Alive) and the OCPA Calypso Showcase at Harbourfront Centre. For sports fans, the Diamond Jubilee Cricket Match between Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica takes place in Brampton on 20AUG.
Torontonians can also experience an entire film night on 07SEP as the CaribbeanTales International Film Festival highlights Trinidad and Tobago's solid cultural ties in Canada.
The celebrations all culminate at Yonge and Dundas Square on 27-28AUG with a two-day extravaganza that will showcase the best of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural offerings and bring Torontonians together for the "party of the summer!"
Then on the anniversary date itself, 31AUG, Niagara Falls and other Ontario landmarks will light up in the national colours of red, white, and black to mark Trinidad and Tobago’s 60th independence. Flag raising ceremonies will also take place, spearheaded by diaspora groups with the support of the Consulate.
“In 2022, we would like Toronto to feel the full impact of the red, white, and black”, remarked Tracey Ramsubagh-Mannette, Acting Consul General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto.
“The roster of independence activities is designed to bring us together to show our people's warmth, creativity, and resilience, the beauty of our islands, the vibrance of our culture, and the brilliance of our citizens here who fly the flag high every day. We hope that they will also inspire Trinbagonians and their friends to “come home” for an authentic Trinidad and Tobago experience."
Some of the signature Independence events will be sponsored by notable Caribbean brands such as House of Angostura, Carib Brewery Ltd, Neale's Sweet N' Nice Ice Cream, and Grace Foods Canada Ltd. They will be providing immersive tasting experiences, highlighting the history of the islands and their brand, and showcasing Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural contribution to Canada and beyond.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago will release more details on each event in the coming weeks via the Consulate’s Facebook page and e-mail distribution.
