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TORONTO INTERNATIONAL JAMAICA DAY CELEBRATION
 
HISTORY

Hewitt Loague and Cornel Davis along with seven members of People On the Move (POM) came together to create Jamaica Day in 1991. This was to preserve and promote Jamaicans living in Toronto in a more positive light due to negative public perceptions. The event showcased the Jamaican heritage and culture with an emphasis on music, the arts and other cultural events. Jamaica Day was also to celebrate Jamaica's independence which it gained from Britain in August 6, 1962.

The inaugural event took place in July of 1991 at Toronto’s G. Ross Lord Park where over 25,000 people were in attendance.  It then relocated to downtown Toronto in 1993 at Lamport Stadium where the event drew a capacity crowd.  Following this, the event moved to Keelesdale Park in the Borough of York where it settled until 2008. In those years Jamaica Day enjoyed a period of success maintaining crowds of approximately 20,000 annually. In 2009, the celebration was held at Downsview Park and ultimately celebrated its 20th anniversary there in 2010.  The Toronto International Jamaica Day Celebration as it’s now known is looking to the City of Brampton’s Wild Water Kingdom as its new home in 2011.
 
Now entering its 21st year, Jamaica Day has grown to be one of the most culturally diverse events to be held each year, and has something to offer people of all ages and cultures. The event is a way to showcase the beauty of Jamaican culture in a safe family-oriented environment. Reggae, Soca, R&B, Gospel and African drumming music are all staples of this annual event. The event also features sporting actives including netball, cricket and soccer. Games like dominoes, sack race and the three legged race are also part of the core activities.  There are even midway rides for the entire family, the Mr. Caribbean competition and fashion shows.  
 
Jamaica Day has always had a strong impact on the development of Canadian artists, providing them an outlet to showcase their talent. The event wraps each year with a dramatic presentation of Canadian artists alongside internationally-renowned superstars such as Beres Hammond, Marcia Griffiths, and Percy Sledge to name a few. While the event has grown over the years, the organizers continue to work tirelessly to maintain its place and relevance to the Greater Toronto communities.