I-Land Fest, a celebration of Caribbean and African culture, is coming to Victoria on August 24 and 25 and promises to be a party like no other.
First, the Caribbean Carnival – a cultural festival that takes place annually worldwide – is not just about partying. Its roots go back hundreds of years to colonialism, slavery, religious beliefs and, perhaps most importantly, freedom.
“It’s really about a celebration of freedom and culture,” said Oneil Randall, president and co-founder of I-Land Fest. “Our culture is based on a mix of influences, including the Spanish, French and English colonial rulers of the Caribbean islands and the slaves who were brought there from Africa and eventually freed by the colonial powers.”
Nowadays it is about freedom, joy and the vibrant culture of the Caribbean, said Oneil Randall.
“We want to educate people about who we are and what we contribute to the community.”
Kara Randall, the event’s other co-founder, said many people are unaware of the Caribbean’s diverse culture and that it brings a wonderful mix of music, food, games and art to countries around the world.
“This will be an annual event and a groundbreaking event. It will be the first time Victoria has hosted a Caribbean event of this magnitude and it will be a milestone for the city as Victoria will join the ranks of other cities across Canada celebrating the rich traditions of the Caribbean.”
The fun begins at 11am on Saturday 24 August with Victoria’s first ever Caribbean Parade, starting at the corner of Wharf and Government and moving down the street in a whirlwind of music, floats, costumes, dancing and festivities.
“We will arrive at Centennial Square where we will have a parade of the various groups and short opening ceremonies,” said Oneil Randall. “Then the party will continue with entertainment and much more.”
The main stage will feature a variety of Caribbean artists including singers, a limbo artist, a steelpan band and dancers. The music will consist of live music and DJs playing a mix of soca, reggae, calypso, dancehall and chutney.
“Caribbean music is a mix of cultures and we express ourselves through it. It’s really who we are. Jamaican music and reggae music, for example, talk about what happened and what’s happening to our people. It’s living music that frees the soul. If you’re having a bad day, this music lifts your spirits. It makes us who we are.”
But the festival has more to offer than just great music.
“We will have a beer garden with some typical Caribbean beers and lots of food stalls to give Victoria a taste of the islands,” said Kara Randall. “There will be an opportunity to try on costumes and there will be a children’s area where the kids can relax too.”
The festival will also feature people teaching non-islanders (that is, the Caribbean islands, not Vancouver) games like ludi and dominoes. These games are extremely popular in the Caribbean and provide an excuse to escape the midday sun.
In addition to the regular festival entertainment program, I-Land Fest hosts an official after-party on Saturday evening.
The over-19s event takes place at Medusa’s Shot House (531 Yates St, Victoria) and promises to be an unforgettable night of high-energy Caribbean music and non-stop dancing.
“The festival is free to the public, but the after-party will be a $20 ticket price ($30 at the door), but it will be so much fun. It will be worth it,” said Kara Randall. “It will keep the Caribbean vibe going long after the festival is over.”
Oneil Randall stressed that everyone is welcome to participate in the event, and not just as a festival-goer.
“Anyone can join as a volunteer or even as part of the shows,” he said. They just have to contact us and we will definitely include them.”
For more information about I-Land Fest, including a list of events and sponsors, visit ilandfest.com.
