Welcome to
Afro Caribbean
Festival YYC
Celebrating African and Caribbean culture in Calgary
September 6-7, Cowboys Park, Calgary
About
Afro Caribbean Festival shares and celebrate with Calgarians, the colorful, rich, inviting and diverse cultures of peoples of African descent in Calgary and beyond.
PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR BUSINESS OR ORGANIZATIONS TO AN ESTIMATED 15,000 PATRONS.
Mission
The African & Caribbean Heritage Festival of Calgary is dedicated to celebrating the rich and diverse cultures of African and Caribbean communities. Our mission is to honor the heritage, traditions, and contributions of people of African descent through vibrant music, dance, art, food, and storytelling.
By fostering unity, cultural appreciation, and community engagement, we create an inclusive space where people of all backgrounds can experience and embrace the beauty of African and Caribbean traditions. Through this festival, we aim to educate, inspire, and strengthen cultural pride while promoting diversity and multiculturalism in Calgary, Alberta.
Vision
To be Calgary’s premier African and Caribbean cultural festival, uniting communities through the vibrant celebration of heritage, traditions, and artistic expression. We envision a future where the rich cultures of African descent are widely recognized, embraced, and celebrated, fostering a deeper understanding, inclusivity, and appreciation within the broader Canadian society. Through music, dance, food, art, and storytelling, we strive to create a lasting cultural legacy that inspires pride, connection, and empowerment for generations to come.
Festival Features
Flag parade
The Afro-Caribbean Festival is a vibrant celebration of African and Caribbean heritage, showcasing cultural diversity through a flag-raising parade, music, dance, and cuisine. The event unites communities in honoring their rich traditions, fostering inclusivity, and highlighting the deep connections between African and Caribbean cultures.
Fashion Show
Our festival will showcase the diverse and vibrant cultural attire of people of African descent from various regions of Africa and the Caribbean. Attendees will experience traditional and contemporary outfits, such as Dashikis, Kente cloth, Boubous, Kangas, Djellabas, Madras fabric, and Carnival costumes, each reflecting unique heritage and artistic expression. Through live fashion displays, storytelling, and interactive exhibits, we aim to highlight the deep cultural significance, history, and symbolism behind these garments, fostering appreciation, pride, and unity within the Calgary community.
Kids Corner
The Afo-Caribbean YYC Festival will feature a Kids’ Zone, offering a fun and interactive space where children can learn about their cultural heritage while playing with others. Activities will include storytelling sessions, arts and crafts workshops, drumming and dance lessons, and traditional African and Caribbean games like Mancala and Ludo. Through these engaging experiences, children will explore their roots, express creativity, and build a sense of pride in their heritage while enjoying a vibrant and welcoming environment.
Food corner
The festival will feature a variety of food vendors offering authentic Afro-Caribbean cuisine, showcasing the rich flavors and culinary traditions of Africa and the Caribbean. Attendees can enjoy dishes like Jollof Rice, Suya, Nyama Choma, Tagines, Jerk Chicken, Roti, and Doubles, along with sweet treats and beverages such as Rum Cake, Sorrel Drink, and Ginger Beer. Vendors will also share the cultural significance of these dishes, with possible cooking demonstrations and tastings. This culinary experience will celebrate the diversity of Afro-Caribbean food, bringing people together through flavor, tradition, and heritage.
Artists
The festival serves as a dynamic platform to showcase and uplift local artists of African descent, providing opportunities for emerging and established talents within the African and Caribbean communities. It also embraces multicultural artists, fostering cultural exchange and unity through music, dance, and art. Attendees will experience a variety of cultural performances, including traditional and contemporary dance, live drumming, singing, spoken word, and theatrical displays, celebrating the rich artistic expressions of African and Caribbean heritage while encouraging cross-cultural appreciation.
Volunteers
Join the Celebration: Volunteer at the Afro-Caribbean Festival in Calgary!
The Afro-Caribbean Festival in Calgary is a vibrant celebration of African and Caribbean cultures, showcasing music, dance, cuisine, and art. We’re seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help bring this dynamic event to life.
Volunteer Opportunities Include:
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Event Setup and Takedown
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Information Booth Assistance
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Food and Beverage Service
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Security and Crowd Control
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Volunteer Management
Why Volunteer?
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Gain valuable experience and skills
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Meet new people and expand your network
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Contribute to promoting cultural awareness and community engagement
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Receive a certificate of appreciation
No prior experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to help!
Ready to Make a Difference? Sign up to volunteer and be part of an unforgettable cultural experience.