Trinibago Day brings Trinidad and Tobago spirit Toronto

Toronto will come alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of Trinidad and Tobago when the Trinbago Toronto Festival returns to Nathan Phillips Square from August 28 to 30, celebrating its fifth anniversary.

The free three-day festival will also mark the 50th anniversary of Trinidad and Tobago becoming a republic, showcasing the twin-island nation’s music, food, culture, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, as well as the contributions of the Trinbagonian diaspora in Canada.

This year’s celebration is expected to welcome several government and business leaders from Trinidad and Tobago and Canada.

Among them is Senator Satyakama “Kama” Maharaj, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Trade, Investment and Tourism. Maharaj, an entrepreneur and founder of Sacha Cosmetics, brings extensive experience in manufacturing, trade and international business. Michael Callan, Canada’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago.

Other expected guests include Senator Dr. Kennedy Swaratsingh, Minister of Planning; Secretary Zorisha Amena Hackett; and Dr. Vashti Guyadeen, CEO of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

The festival will also spotlight Tobago, including the work of the Tobago Festival Commission, which produces Tobago Carnival and the Tobago Blue Food Festival.

Music will be at the heart of the weekend, with a lineup that includes two-time Road March winner Shurwayne Winchester, chutney star KI, Moses Revolution, and local soca performers Miguel & Kash and Jaxx.

Toronto’s 2026 Panorama champions Pan Masters will also perform, along with tassa drummers, limbo dancers, Caribbean dance groups and other local and international entertainers.

Food will provide another major attraction. Vendors will serve Caribbean favourites including doubles, roti and a variety of stewed, curried and barbecued dishes. Tobago Blue Food will offer specialties featuring dasheen, crab and dumplings.

The festival will also feature the Island Mix Restaurant Rooftop Cocktail Bar, highlighting Angostura rums, while Carib Beer will be among the prominent beverage partners.

Visitors will also be able to connect with tourism representatives from Visit Trinidad and Tobago Beyond and learn more about travel to the islands.

“The festival is a celebration of the culture, creativity and achievements of Trinidad and Tobago and its diaspora, bringing communities together while creating a platform for tourism, business and cultural exchange,” said Petronilla Marchan, Managing Director.

The festival runs Friday, August 28 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission is free.