Caribbean Festival in Maple Ridge, BC (Includes interview and first-hand account)

It’s hard to imagine the Caribbean people not involved in music and dance so they must have chosen the most sunny days period in a year to put their best foot forward and present themselves as vibrant community of dancers who can grab everyone on the streets. The great weather contributed much to their display of costumes and laid back attitude that took completely over the centre of Maple Ridge in last weekend.

Brazilian dancers on stage of the festival, in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

There were 15 live bands playing live music of calypso, salsa and reggae on two stages located at the Peace Park over two weekend days. Apart from the music, there were some 70 street vendors offering traditional Caribbean food and art and craft of the region. There were street magicians, street painting for kids and demonstration of aerobic as examples of free events.

Calypso music on one of stages in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

.In two weeks there will be another Caribbean Festival in North Vancouver for those who missed the event in Maple Ridge. Rarity of the same summer festival held in short time one after another testifies to popularity of the festival which is fast growing in the Lower Mainland.

Aerobic demo and show in Peace Park, Maple Ridge, BC, Canada.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

One of the street vendors associated the Caribbean Festival in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Always ready to dance, Brazilian dancers on stage of the Caribbean Festival in Maple Ridge, BC, Canada.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz