A Caribbean student's guide to finding home in Toronto

I had the unique experience of growing up in other countries besides Trinidad and Tobago. With these experiences, it has always been important to integrate myself into the way of living as well as finding a piece of home wherever in the world I lived. Whether by making friends from the Caribbean, finding Caribbean food spots, or hearing Soca in public, the small things are what makes a place a home away from home. 

Coming to Toronto, especially as a young adult moving alone, finding places that reminded me of Trinidad was crucial. Toronto is known to be one of the most multicultural and diverse cities in the world and after living here for 3 years, that is definitely not an understatement. Trinidad is also known for its multiculturalism so seeing the city welcome people from all walks of life and celebrate each other feels familiar to what I grew up with. In high school, we would celebrate all of the holidays of the different ethnic groups that were in Trinidad. Some of my best memories were when we would take the entire afternoon to have a Diwali showcase where students would dress in saris and traditional Indian snacks and food would be sold. My favourite part of those days would be that everyone no matter the ethnicity or religion would take part in the celebration and learn about another culture’s tradition.

Celebrating diverse cultures year-round

There are so many different ethnic groups that live in Toronto, which makes for many cultural festivals year-round, including Afrofest, Lunar New Year Celebrations, the Caribbean Street Food Festival, and more. I remember my first day I arrived in Toronto, there was a Filipino Food Festival at Nathan Phillips Square. Seeing the celebrations of all of the people that make Toronto so special is something that really reminds me of home and is something I appreciate the most about living here. Not only do I feel closer to my Caribbean culture but I have the opportunity to learn about my peers’ cultures as well!

Experiencing my first Caribana

This past summer was my first in Toronto (I usually go back to Trinidad while I’m off school), and I finally had the opportunity to experience Caribana (external link, opens in new window) , which is the largest Caribbean festival in North America that happens in Toronto. I remember learning about it in my Caribbean studies class in high school and thought it was amazing how the Caribbean diaspora could celebrate their heritage thousands of kilometres away from the islands. Seeing how the huge Caribbean population within the city was being celebrated felt very comforting. It’s always nice to connect with other people from the Caribbean due to our shared culture and experiences and this festival was the perfect opportunity to meet people of all ages that relate. Aside from Caribana, there are a number of Soca, Reggae, and Dancehall events and concerts that happen throughout the year in Toronto. These events are usually posted on social media on accounts such as todotoronto (external link, opens in new window)  but are also advertised throughout the city through posters and billboards on Sankofa Square. In terms of concerts, it is also good to be on the lookout for artist profiles as they are likely to make a stop in the city!  

Where to find Caribbean food in Toronto

Also, many grocery stores downtown have an entire Caribbean section, so you’ll be able to get snacks, drinks and spices that will remind you of home!

Going into my 4th year, I consider Toronto a second home and definitely credit that to many of the attributes mentioned.