I-Land Fest, a celebration of Caribbean and African culture, is coming to Victoria on Aug. 24 and 25 and promises to be a party like no other. 

To begin with, Caribbean Carnival B次元官网网址� a cultural celebration held annually worldwide B次元官网网址� isnB次元官网网址檛 just about having a party. It has its roots stretching back hundreds of years with origins based in colonialism, slavery, religious beliefs and, perhaps most importantly, freedom. 

B次元官网网址淚t really is about a celebration of freedom and culture,B次元官网网址� said Oneil Randall, the president and co-founder of I-Land Fest. B次元官网网址淥ur culture is based on a mixture of influences, that include the Spanish, French and English colonizers of the Caribbean Islands and the slaves that were brought there from Africa and who finally got their freedom from the colonial powers.B次元官网网址� 

These days, Oneil Randall said itB次元官网网址檚 about freedom and joy and the vibrant culture of the Caribbean. 

B次元官网网址淲e want to educate people about who we are and the contributions we make to the community.B次元官网网址� 

Kara Randall, the other co-founder of the event, said that a lot of people arenB次元官网网址檛 aware of the diverse culture of the Caribbean and what a wonderful mix of music, food, games and art it contributes to countries all around the world. 

B次元官网网址淭his is going to be an annual event, and itB次元官网网址檒l be groundbreaking. It will mark the first time that Victoria will host a Caribbean event of this magnitude and itB次元官网网址檒l be a milestone for the city as Victoria will join the ranks of other cities across Canada that celebrate the rich traditions of the Caribbean.B次元官网网址� 

The fun will start on Saturday, August 24 at 11 a.m., with the first-ever Caribbean parade in Victoria. ItB次元官网网址檒l set off from the corner of Wharf and Government and will move down the street in a flurry of music, floats, costumes, dancing and celebration. 

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檒l end up at Centennial Square where weB次元官网网址檒l have a march-off of the various groups and short opening ceremonies,B次元官网网址� said Oneil Randall. B次元官网网址淭hen the party is going to continue with entertainment, and so much more.B次元官网网址� 

The main stage will feature a host of Caribbean artists including singers, a limbo performer, a steel pan band, and dancers. The music will be a combination of live and DJs playing a mixture of soca, reggae, calypso, dancehall, and chutney. 

B次元官网网址淐aribbean music is a mix of cultures and itB次元官网网址檚 how we express ourselves. ItB次元官网网址檚 really who we are. Jamaican and reggae music, for example, speaks about what has happened and what is happening with our people. ItB次元官网网址檚 vibrant music that frees the soul. If youB次元官网网址檙e having a bad day, this music elevates you. It makes us who we are.B次元官网网址� 

But thereB次元官网网址檚 more to the festival than just amazing music. 

B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e going to have a beer garden featuring some signature Caribbean beers and a lot of food vendors to provide a taste of the islands to Victoria,B次元官网网址� said Kara Randall. B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檒l be a chance to try on costumes, and a kids zone where children will have a chance to relax as well.B次元官网网址� 

The festival will also have some folks on hand to teach non-islanders (thatB次元官网网址檚 Caribbean Islands, not Vancouver) games like Ludi and dominoes. Those games are extremely popular in the Caribbean and provide an excuse to escape the midday sun. 

In addition to the regular festival entertainment, I-Land Fest is hosting an official After Party on Saturday night.  

The 19+ event will be held at MedusaB次元官网网址檚 Shot House (531 Yates St, Victoria), and promises to be an unforgettable night filled with high-energy Caribbean music and non-stop dancing. 

B次元官网网址淭he festival is all free of charge to the public, but the after party will have a $20 ticket price ($30 at the door) but itB次元官网网址檚 going to be so much fun. ItB次元官网网址檒l be worth it,B次元官网网址� Kara Randall said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a way to keep those Caribbean vibes going long after the festival ends.B次元官网网址� 

Oneil Randall emphasized that everyone is welcome to be a part of the event, and not just as a festival attendee. 

B次元官网网址淎nyone can take part as a volunteer, or even as a part of the shows,B次元官网网址� he said. They just have to reach out to us, and weB次元官网网址檒l be sure to include them.B次元官网网址� 

For more information on I-Land Fest and for a list of events and sponsors, visit .