Be dazzled by the vibrant spirit of Carnival Celebrations this Family Day Weekend – February 16 to 18
(Toronto, Ontario – February 6, 2013) – Family Day Weekend is full of dazzling colour and vibrant displays at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). Bring out the whole family Saturday, February 16 to Monday, February 18, 2013 from 11am to 4pm to experience the celebrations of Carnival at the ROM. The weekend’s events include programming to mark Black History Month and the closing of Carnival: From Emancipation to Celebration exhibition. The exhibition, which features the work of internationally renowned masquerade designer Brian Mac Farlane, along with photographs of the Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival, has been on display since July 2012 and closes February 24, 2013.
After learning about the astonishing Carnival celebrations, the ROM invites you to take part in Carnival themed crafts; including creating your own headpiece and searching in a scavenger hunt that will help tell the stories and history of Carnival traditions from around the world. Take part in creating a competitive Junior Carnival King costume with Carnival Revolution or listen to storyteller, Sandra Whiting, as she shares the rich oral traditions, mythology and folklore of West Africa and the Caribbean.
Join the celebration and make some noise in our drumming workshops led by musicians from AFCY: Arts for Children and Youth. After letting loose on the drums create your own Carnival headpiece at the Carnival Art Workshop and get up close with incredible history at the Carnival Touch Tables. Wrap up the weekend and make some noise by joining the ROM Carnival Parade on Monday February 18 at 3pm.
You’ll need to fuel up after taking part in the Carnival celebrations. Until February 28 enjoy the Carnival inspired menu at the ROM’s family restaurant Food Studio, with specials that include vegetarian gumbo soup, jerk chicken salad with lime vinaigrette, and sweet plantain loaf with coconut butter cream. Or check out the C5 Restaurant Lounge with menu features like bean and rice soup with spiced kale chips, and braised oxtail with lentils and potatoes.
Before heading home make sure to browse the ROM Museum Store for the Carnival companion book, “A Showcase of Toronto Caribbean Carnival Arts”, with photographs by Anthony Berot along with other unique gifts. In fact, in a sale offer that lasts through until February 18, ROM members can take advantage of a special 20% discount on all regular priced merchandise in all ROM stores, including just arrived jewelry pieces.
Family Day activities take place throughout the Museum and are included with general ROM admission. Workshops are limited entry: first come, first served.
For more information on Family Day Weekend programming, visit:
https://www.rom.on.ca/en/activities-programs/events-calendar/family-day-weekend-carnival-rom