This summer, celebrate Caribbean living heritage

Some 200 million people in the Americas identify as being of African descent, and there are millions more in other parts of the world. The International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024) is an opportunity to highlight the important contributions made by people of African descent to our societies, to propose concrete measures to promote their full inclusion, and to combat racism.

Festivals conserve and promote living heritage

World-class cultural festivals—such as the Toronto Caribbean Carnival and Montreal’s A Taste of the Caribbean—offer a way for Caribbean peoples in Canada to safeguard and promote their unique living heritage while also celebrating the International Decade for People of African Descent.

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival (formerly called Caribana) brings together artisans, artists and performers, providing opportunities for them to make a living from their work and pass their traditional skills and knowledge along to younger generations. The event also marks an important moment in the history of slavery—which, by its very nature, led to the dispersal of peoples of African descent and caused innumerable harms to their cultural practices.

Unfortunately, the carnival had to be cancelled this summer due to COVID-19, but event organizers are planning a virtual festival, from July 1 to August 1, that will engage carnival audiences who look forward every year to a summer of music and celebration.

Similarly, A Taste of the Caribbean is Montreal’s largest summer celebration of Caribbean culture. Featuring arts, food and live international performing artists, it promotes the diversity of Montreal’s Caribbean culture and offers a festive yet meaningful way for everyone to connect with the deep-rooted histories of the African diaspora in the Americas.

Due to COVID-19, organizers got creative and will be celebrating the festival’s 21^st anniversary virtually. As part of this online experience, a full segment of the festival will be dedicated to honouring the legacy of Bob Marley, who would have turned 75 this year.

Reggae: an example of living heritage

Last year, reggae was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Reggae joined the UNESCO list halfway through the International Decade for People of African Descent—a recognition of its international importance and contribution to cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue.

Reggae music originated in Jamaica as an amalgam of musical influences in a cultural space that was home to marginalized groups. Over time, it began to encompass neo-African styles, soul, and rhythm and blues from North America. Today, reggae is much-loved by a wide cross-section of society.

At once cerebral, socio-political, sensual and spiritual, reggae has long contributed to international discourse on issues like injustice, resistance, love and humanity. It is a vehicle for social commentary and a voice for all.

Last spring, reggae featured prominently at a UN headquarters cultural event marking the legacies of the transatlantic slave trade. The event, part of the International Decade for People of African Descent, highlighted foods and music from Africa and the African diaspora.

Discover Caribbean culture for yourself

Summer across Canada will not be as festive as usual this year. But you can still mark the International Decade for People of African Descent and celebrate Caribbean culture and living heritage! Here are some ideas:

• Check out the two special issues of Canadian Diversity magazine on the International Decade for People of African Descent
• Read about the general history of Africa and people of African descent
• Discover how people are safeguarding their living heritage during the global pandemic

Keep in mind that Caribbean culture can differ somewhat from country to country—each has its own music, dialects, cuisines, and socio-political history and climate. Try focusing on one or two to learn about.

A link to recent events

Recent social movements across Canada and the United States have sparked important conversations around anti-black racism, another focus of the International Decade. Have a look at our blog post on what CCUNESCO is doing to advance the conversation around anti-racism and social justice.