08/21/2026
As President of our Carifest, I want to take a moment to say something that comes straight from my heart:
Thank you!
This year, we celebrated something truly special—45 years of Caribbean culture, community, and celebration in Western Canada.
Forty-five years is more than a number. It represents generations of people, countless volunteers, families, musicians, dancers, cultural leaders, sponsors, supporters, and community members who believed that our Caribbean culture deserved a place to be celebrated, shared, and passed on.
For 45 years, this festival has helped bring the warmth, rhythm, colour, food, music, traditions, and spirit of the Caribbean to Western Canada.
And it continues today because of YOU.
To the incredible team who comes to the table—not for recognition, not for personal gain, but simply because you believe in community—I say thank you.
When I say community, I mean comm + unity: coming together in unity, with one heart, one purpose, and one love for our Caribbean culture.
To the team who stands beside me, supports me, challenges me, encourages me, and continues to show up: I am deeply grateful for you.
Your time, your ideas, your energy, your sacrifices, and your belief in this festival mean more than words can express.
To the Caribbean Community Associations that supports this Caribbean Festival - Thank you.
As President of our festival, I carry a deep sense of responsibility, humility, and pride. But I know I do not stand alone.
I stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and I stand alongside a team and a community that believes this festival is worth protecting, nurturing, and sustaining for the next generation.
Forty-five years ago, a few people believed in this dream.
Today, we are living that dream, and now it is our responsibility to carry it forward.
To every person who came out to celebrate our Downtown In Motion Carifest 45th Anniversary workshops; from the Stilt walking, Steel drums, Caribbean Sports in the park, Costume making and Caribbean dance workshops as well as the Caribbean Gala we say a big Thank You!
Thank you to team:
Dale Green / Vice President, Whitney Cousins / Treasure, Sabrina Comanescu / Meeting Chair, Production manager, Carifest Dancers coordinator and Public Relations, Natacha Jacques / Finance team & First Aid, Leslie LOsakwe / Volunteer Lead Coordinator, D'on Duncan / Vendor Coordinator, Terence May / Parade Coordinator, Julie Abott / Artist Transport. Taleisa Brown / VIP & Dignitaries Coordinator and Andrew Allium / Sponsorship Coordinator.
Thank you to our volunteers.
Thank you to the incredible Artists.
Thank you to our supporters and sponsors.
Thank you to our community.
And thank you to everyone who has helped make Carifest 45 possible.
This celebration belongs to all of us.
With Caribbean Pride, Love, and Heartfelt Gratitude,
Jennifer Duncan.
President
Caribbean Community Council of Calgary
CARIFEST 2026
Picture by RJ Da Roza
