Wednesday June 18th, 2014 – Toronto

Who:            
​CARIBANA™ Arts Group, Yorkgate Mall, Ward 8 Councillor Anthony ​Perruzza, York West​ MP​ Judy Sgro, Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board, Toronto Police Services (31 Division), JFCCO, Seneca College, Jane and Finch Boys and Girls Club, Pan​ Man Pat steel band, Caribbean Stars dance group children modeling costumes.

What:           
Media launch for CARIBANA™ Flags and Colours 2014, the Jane and Finch Junior Carnival.

Why:             
To showcase children and youth in their spectacular carnival costumes and announce new developments.

Where:         
Yorkgate Mall Food Court, #1 York Gate Blvd, North York, ON (Northwest corner of Jane and Finch).

When:          
11:00 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. Tuesday, June 24.

On Tuesday June 24th, 2014, organizers of the annual CARIBANA™ Flags and Colours Parade will hold a media launch at Yorkgate Mall's Food Court to announce this year's parade route, showcase this year's amazing costumes and announce special guests performers.

Now in its 15th year (3rd as Flags and Colors) this event has become one of the highlights in the Jane and Finch community, which sees hundreds of families enjoy the festivities of Caribbean culture, and participate in the costume making process.

The 2014 festival is proud to welcome Soca legend Anslem Douglas, panist Pan Man Pat, Hip Hop star Subliminal aka Sean Mauricette, soca teen sensation Ngozi, the Ngoma drumming ensemble, Pass The Torch and more to its stage on Saturday July 12th, 2014 for CARIBANA™ Flags and Colours – Junior Carnival.

Toronto’s colourful and annual affair takes place at Yorkgate Mall in the Jane and Finch community which sees hundreds of children and youth dressed in costumes that are a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of Caribbean carnival. They will be on display as masqueraders parade along the route from Jane Street and Shoreham Drive, south to the Yorkgate Mall parking lot. The parade will begin at 12 noon and end at 1:00 p. m. Live entertainment will follow until 5:00 p. m.

This year is expected to be ground breaking for CARIBANA™ Flags and Colours since part of its outreach includes agreements with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) and Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) to visit schools in the community to show costumes and make presentations. The organization will also work closely with York Gate Mall management, Toronto Police Services (31 Division), the Jane and Finch Boys and Girls Club, JFCCO,  and other community groups to continue to have a significant impact on the culture, economy and social development of the area.

Now in its 47th year, CARIBANA™ focuses on the Caribbean carnival arts and their potential to create positive change in the lives of children. This year, the organization aims to have 500 children in the parade.

For further information about CARIBANA™ Flags and Colours contact Henry Gomez via email:  henrygomez@caribana.com or by calling 647-655-6282. Also contact Monica Pollard via email: monica@caribana.com or by calling 416.706.4848. Send media inquiries to Natasha Von Castle via email: L3Publicity@gmail.com.  General inquiries may be answered at www.caribana.com