![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Image-10-1-1024x576.jpg\")
A Jamaican flag being raised in the air during the Carimas Parade on July 4, 2026. (Genevieve Sylvestre, CityNews)<\/p>\nMasqueraders braved the heat and lit up the streets of Downtown Montreal for the annual Carimas Parade on Saturday, blending together music, dance and vibrant costumes to celebrate Caribbean cultures and traditions in the city.<\/p>\n
Organized by the Caribbean Coalition Network of Montreal, Carimas aims to promote unity by sharing the joys of Carnival with performers and attendees alike. <\/p>\n
For Carimas spokesperson Sharon Baptiste, the parade is an important event to bring the community together and to share the importance of Caribbean culture with younger generations.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is important because the Caribbean community is much smaller than it used to be, so we want whoever is here to know that we have a Caribbean community here,\u201d Baptiste said. \u201cNot only a community, but we have a culture that is thriving.\u201d<\/p>\n
Making its way down Ren\u00e9-L\u00e9vesque Blvd., the parade featured twelve different bands\u2014or groups of costumed performers\u2014wearing colourful outfits adorned with gems, feathers and jewels. Every band is broken down into sections, each with its own unique costume design that fits into the band\u2019s overarching theme and identity.<\/p>\n
A Jamaican flag being raised in the air during the Carimas Parade on July 4, 2026. (Genevieve Sylvestre, CityNews)<\/p>\n
Sharlene Henry, a masquerader in the band Rayne Carnival, says that the parade has deep and important roots in Caribbean history and culture.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s about freeing yourself, it\u2019s about the freeing of slaves in the Caribbean, it\u2019s about emancipation, it\u2019s about being yourself and loving each other and having a good time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Henry and her section-mates\u2014all wearing pink, gemmed outfits adorned with headpieces and jewel-toned feathers\u2014underlined the importance of diversity in Caribbean celebrations. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe feel really good because we look good, and we feel empowered as women that we are able to express ourselves in any way we feel comfortable, no matter our shape, size, color or race,\u201d Henry said. <\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Image-18-1024x576.jpg\")
Masquerader Sharlene Henry (centre), is seen next to other members of her band before the Carimas Parade on July 4, 2026. (Genevieve Sylvestre, CityNews)<\/p>\n
Louese Hu, the winner of Miss Chinese Montreal 2025, attended the festival to walk in the parade and to celebrate her Chinese heritage. She believes that the celebration of collectivity is a key part of the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone is so loud, that\u2019s what makes the city shine,\u201d Hu said. \u201cMontreal is known for the culture, the art, of course, and all the colorfulness from everyone in the communities, different communities, all together.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Image-3-2-1024x576.jpg\")
Louese Hu is seen before the Carimas Parade on July 4, 2026. (Genevieve Sylvestre, CityNews)<\/p>\n
Jamaican-Montrealer Delroy, who takes part in the festivities every year, also remarked that upbeat music and contagious energy are cornerstones of the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe atmosphere is wild,\u201d he said. \u201cIt goes like this every year, it\u2019s always crazy. There\u2019s a lot of people and, honestly, it\u2019s one of the best places you can be in Montreal at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Beyond the lively atmosphere, Delroy keeps coming back to Carimas because it is the ideal place for him to celebrate his heritage surrounded by his community.<\/p>\n
\u201cHonestly, for me it represents a lot because my heritage is Jamaican. So to see everybody coming out here just to enjoy, just to get to know what the culture is for me, it\u2019s a lot. Emotionally, it\u2019s a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Montrealers wanting to keep the energy going after the parade, Carimas offers a \u201cSizzle\u201d after-party at Place du Canada Park with DJs playing a mix of soca, dancehall and afrobeat tracks to bring the crowd to their feet, and food and beverage vendors to keep attendees cool as they dance the day away.<\/p>\n
\t\tKeep it Factual<\/p>\n
Add CityNews Montreal as a trusted source on Google to see more local stories from us.<\/p>\n
![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/1782077411_500_google-trusted-badge.png\"){kind=icon}