Each year, the West Indies population in Buffalo organizes a parade and festival that starts at Niagara Square and ends at LaSalle Park. Hundreds of participants and spectators take to the streets, dressed in bright and showy costumes, many with fantastic plumes made of colorful feathers. It’s a day to celebrate island food, live music, costumes, people and traditions – a day that is to be shared with all Buffalonians who are interested in learning about different cultures.
Since its inception, Caribana continues to grow in size and popularity, despite a changing of the guard and a bit of down time. Original festival creator, Otic Glover, told me that, ” It was designed as a take on the West Indies Caribana festival that was being promoted in Canada. We wanted to bring a similar festival to the states… back then it was called Karibana (with a ‘K’). The celebration continues today with different promoters and organizers, though the mission remains the same. This is a celebration of the West Indies population in WNY.”
Buffalo Caribbean Islands Caribana 2011
Saturday August 20, 2011
Parade Leaves from Elmwood Ave. and Niagara St. Downtown Buffalo 12pm
The Parade goes up Niagara St and ends in LaSalle Park
There will be Vendors and Entertainment in Park until 9pm
Sunday August 21, 2011 1pm – 9 pm