After a two-year hiatus, a crowd of energetic Califesta takes over downtown

Beautiful weather, colorful costumes and Caribbean culture The taste has become the perfect Saturday afternoon for Sabrina Bohemier.

"This is the first time for this festival. We have three children and they all mix the background of Haiti." We have fun and good music. I came here to listen to. This is for beautiful people and beautiful weather. "

For the first time since 2019, Califesta is back in downtown. Saturday was the 45th edition of the parade.

Thousands Appearing along the Saint-Catherine parade route-Catherine St. W. Flatbed Track, which turns from Guy St. to Phillips Square, features DJs and dancers in carnival-style feather costumes. Many stood beside them waving the flags of the Caribbean countries, while others wore colorful clothes representing the flags. However, the parade seems to have lived its own life as thousands of people walked in the middle of the street, chased floats, danced to music over the length of the parade's route, and spectators rushed to the celebration. .. The police had a strong presence as many streets were closed. Police officers directed the passage of vehicles and closely monitored the crowd through bicycle and horse patrols.

"I used to participate in the parade, but now I'm too old," said Grenada-born Jemamark, who moved 30 years ago. .. "It's great to see everyone having fun, and it's great to see each island having its own celebration. Don't miss the parade. Come back for the first time in two years. It was good. "

It was clear that there was energy in the crowd at Ste-Catherine St. But as it sometimes grew to an overwhelming proportion, it used to be crowded on the streets and it was hard to get in and out of the Eaton Center shopping mall.

Observers said the parade was shorter than the previous year. This could have been explained by a short lead time that the organizer had to put everything together. The Caribbean Cultural Festival Association (C.C.F.A.) has only officially confirmed that the parade will begin at the end of May.

"The energy was very powerful and there were many beautiful colors," the parents said. Russell Brooks, a Montreal-born writer born in Barbados, said. "I think everyone came out just to enjoy the day."

However, Brooks, who attends the event every year, finds the parade less demanding than usual and blames the short organizational time. Told.

“A little longer lead time can result in more floats, bigger outfits and better outfits,” says Brooks. "I also think it's a little sad that no one came from the city of Montreal, Quebec, or the Government of Canada."

1. Califesta Parade: Costumes that reflect the souls of the ancestors of the Caribbean Sea

2. Califesta 2019: Cascade of Colors, Montreal's Caribbean Culture

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