Experiencing Caribana at UTM: A cultural celebration brought to life by the IEC
Students gathered in an event filled with festive food, decorations, music, and activities celebrating Caribbean tradition.
On February 25, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) the International Education Centre (IECEC) transformed the Student Centre’s Presentation Room into a lively hub of Caribbean culture for the Trinidad and Tobago sixth edition of Dinner and Dialogues, an event designed to commemorate and explore global traditions.
Hosted by the IEC, Dinner and Dialogues is a recurring event that brings students together to celebrate and engage with diverse cultures. Each edition focuses on a different cultural tradition, offering a space for learning, discussion, and community building. Through immersive experiences, the IEC ensures that cultural appreciation goes beyond words, and instead becomes something tangible, tasted, and felt.
Past editions of Dinner and Dialogues have celebrated a variety of cultures, from Lunar New Year festivities to Diwali celebrations, each offering a unique and enriching experience. With every event, the IEC strengthens its mission of cultural exchange and understanding, making international traditions accessible to all students.
Beginning during the eighteenth century in Trinidad and Tobago, Carnival is one of the largest and most iconic celebrations in the world. This vibrant celebration, rooted in the Caribbean’s rich cultural history, is a fusion of African, Indigenous, and European traditions, showcasing the island’s diverse heritage and commemorating the ingenious determination to survive amidst the horrors of slavery.
Every year, thousands of people from across the globe flock to Carnivals to witness the explosion of colour, music, and dance, making them truly international events. Beyond the spectacular costumes and rhythmic beats, Carnival holds deep cultural significance, symbolizing freedom, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of the Caribbean people.
While preparations for major international Carnivals were underway, the IEC brought the music, dance, and dazzling costumes of the vibrant cultural event to UTM, giving students the chance to experience this festive spirit without travelling far to witness the fun and tradition that the carnivals bring.
From the moment attendees stepped into the Presentation Room, they were immersed in the sights, sounds, and flavours of Trinidad and Tobago. Feathered hats, inspired by the elaborate costumes of Carnival dancers, added a touch of authenticity to the evening.
The air was filled with the rhythmic beats of soca and calypso music, transporting everyone to the streets of Port of Spain. Guests were treated to a menu featuring Trinidadian staples such as juicy jerk chicken, rice and peas, pineapple punch, and other flavorful Caribbean delicacies.
As this Caribana-themed evening came to a close, attendees left with full stomachs, new connections, and a deeper appreciation for Trinidad and Tobago’s rich heritage. The next Dinner and Dialogues event will take place on April 3 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., where the IEC will host a celebration of Eid and Nowruz, offering another opportunity to celebrate and connect through food, traditions, and conversation.
The IEC International Education Centre plays a vital role at UTM, fostering a globally inclusive community through workshops, events, and programming that highlight different cultures and traditions. Whether through the Dinner and Dialogues series or other initiatives, the IEC continually finds creative ways to bring international experiences to campus, helping students appreciate the beauty of global diversity without leaving campus.
