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RASTAFEST Photo: Alyssa Mahadeo/Toronto Caribbean
Rastafarian Culture Thrives in the GTA
ALYSSA MAHADEO/TORONTO CARIBBEAN Jah knows they couldn’t have asked for nicer weather at Downsview Park this past weekend where the sky was clear and the vibes them irie at RastaFest 2015. Rastafari is a way of life, an Abrahamic new religious movement that accepts Haile Selassie I, the Ethiopian emperor from 1930 to 1974 as God incarnate and the Messiah who will deliver believers to the Promised Land, identified by Rastas as Ethiopia. Its roots are deep in black empowerment and back-to-Africa movements. It originated in Jamaica and its followers continue to be concentrated there, although smaller populations of Rastas can be found in many countries today. Presented by the Upfront Theatre Foundation and promoted by Masani
Productions, entering into its 9th year, the idea for Rastafest was started rooted in the theme, “The Family is the Strength of the Community”. This festival was not only meant to be a source of entertainment, fun and excitement, but also as an educational event providing knowledge and information through the availability of various community organizations. It has provided an opportunity for networking amongst small business entrepreneurs that represent an array of products that are for sale at the Kijiji Market Place. The public had the chance to communicate with the creators of the arts and vendors as well as be given the opportunity to ask questions and converse with the representatives of various community services organizations and agencies
from the Jane and Finch community. Rastafest has attracted over 10,000 people annually since 2006 and every year they have taken strides to put on a bigger, better and most importantly memorable event in order to produce a larger crowd every year. Their commitment to keeping their patrons entertained and educated contributes to their continuous growth. Although Rastafarian culture is generally overlooked, the world needs to be more exposed to the beautiful lifestyle that Rastafarianism encompasses. Through film, music and ital food, those that attend Rastafest will experience a day of entertainment and fun. Continued On Page 5
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