About The Ottawa Junior Carnival Project
The Ottawa Junior Carnival Youth Project is a 3 Phase project lead and designed by the youth for children and youth in the community which culminates in a showcase of colors and storytelling in the form of costumes made by the youth planning committee, rhythms of the Caribbean ( steelpan, soca, calypso), cultural performances, enticing flavors of the Caribbean, Caribbean Market and community togetherness on Sunday August 17,2025 at TD Place.
Phase 1 - October 2023 - October 6th, 2024 - Setting the Foundation
Phase 1 of the Youth Project began October 2023 and completed October 6th, 2024, giving the community the first opportunity to view the costumes designed and created by the Youth Planning Committee. The Youth Planning Committee underwent mentorship and training in wire bending ( a technique used to create the skeletal framework of a costume using gauge wire, pliers and cutters), feathering, jeweling and beading.
The Costume theme developed by the Youth Planning Committee is that of Tanty’s Garden which consists of three sections consisting of 6 subsections namely:
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The Gate Keepers of the Garden – The West Indian Orchid - The Hibiscus
2) Keepers of Prosperity – The Bamboo - The Royal Palm
3) The Fruits of Life – The Mango - The Guava
Each of these sections and subsections has a story to be told on August 17,2025.
Phase 2 – Costume Registration:
-As of October 13, 2024, parents/guardians with children between the ages of 5 and 16 will have the opportunity to register their child for one of the costume sections.
- In addition to online registration, WIYA Ottawa will host pop-up registration opportunities at various community events and community events.
Phase 3 – April 2025 – August 17, 2025
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Creation of Youth Mas Camp- the purpose of this Mas Camp is to allow students be part of a cultural space to learn how to make the carnival costumes, learn about the history, connect with other young persons and culture of Carnival. A Mas Camp in Carnival Culture is a “home base” for persons to come together to create the costumes. The Community Mas Camps will be led by the Youth Planning Committee.
The Youth Planning Committee will pass down the knowledge of wire bending, feathering and beading in the mass production of the Junior Carnival Costumes.
2) The Creation of a Youth Steelpan group
3) A Youth DJ competition that has a focus on Caribbean Music.
4) The Ottawa Junior Carnival Showcase - Sunday August 17th,2025 at TD Place
