Toronto’s annual Caribbean Carnival officially launched Tuesday with a kickoff event at Nathan Phillips Square hosted by Mayor John Tory that showcased masquerade costumes and traditional Caribbean fare.

“Today was the launch, but it’s a month full of events and festivities that are taking place,” says Toronto Caribbean Carnival spokesperson Andrew Ricketts.

Ricketts noted that new for this year the organization managed to extend the Grand Parade route to seven kilometres from last year’s four — stretching from Exhibition Place west to Budapest Park and back.

For newcomers, Ricketts is encouraging people to check out the wide variety of events throughout the month.

Here are some highlights:

The Junior Carnival Parade and Family Day on July 20

More than 2,000 children are expected to take part in the junior parade at 10:30 a.m., which will travel from the Malvern Community Centre in Scarborough towards Neilson Park. There, families will be able to enjoy food, kids crafts and live entertainment. The event is free.

Beyond the Mas — a Celebration of Freedom on July 26

There will be a costume party at the Riviera Banquet Hall in Woodbridge starting at 6 p.m. where participants are invited to design or purchase their own costumes (with prizes to be handed out for the best costumes). The event will feature Caribbean tassa drumming, food prepared by a celebrity Caribbean chef, and live music.

Grand Parade on Aug. 3

The parade is the biggest event of the carnival. Starting at 8:30 a.m. masqueraders and steel pan bands will march from Exhibition Place, west along Lake Shore Blvd. to Neilson Park, and then return to Exhibition Place.

Viewers who wish to attend the parade can buy a VIP ticket to access a raised pavilion, or can choose to go with general admission to get up front and close to the action while sitting on the bleachers.

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Ilya Bañares is a breaking news reporter, working out of the Star's radio room in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @ilyaoverseas

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