Every Torontonian who stopped by Toronto Caribbean Carnival this year experienced an amazing sight — a shiny black big rig towing a massive four-pack of replica Guinness Tall Boys, featuring none other than DJs SPEXDABOSS and Frank Vintara.
The Guinness Tall Boy float proudly led the Grande Parade at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, North America’s largest Caribbean carnival.
The Guinness Tall Boy float proudly led the Grande Parade at the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.Courtesy of Geerthan Ranjhan
Now, if you’re unfamiliar with the history of Guinness, you might wonder how the iconic Irish beer fits into the festivities. Historically, Guinness and Caribbean culture go back a long way (to the 1800s, in fact, when it was first exported to Barbados).
That means that for over 200 years, Guinness has been a staple within Caribbean communities, enjoyed as a drink and used in recipes like Guinness punch and jerk marinades. At this point, it would be surprising for Guinness not to put on a show for Toronto Caribbean Carnival!
The Guinness Tall Boy float proudly led the Grande Parade at the Toronto Caribbean CarnivalCourtesy of Geerthan Ranjhan
In addition to the moving party that was the Guinness Tall Boy float (with high-energy tunes spun by SPEXDABOSS and Frank Vintara and dancers handing out exclusive merch), Toronto Caribbean Carnival guests got to enjoy The Guinness Yard — the ultimate afterparty.
Guests chose two pieces of Guinness merch to take home. Courtesy of Geerthan Ranjhan
As well as enjoying the live DJ sets and tasty food options, Toronto Caribbean Carnival guests were invited to choose two pieces of Guinness merch at The Guinness Yard. But the showstopper was the Guinness Stoutie Machine, where festival goers could get their photo printed directly on the thick, creamy foam of a Guinness.
The Guinness Stoutie Machine treated guests to a selfie unlike any other. Courtesy of Geerthan Ranjhan
Visitors could also capture memories with the themed photo booth and visit the live bottle painting station, where an artist would decorate a Guinness Extra Stout bottle with a Caribbean flag of their choice.
Photo booths, bottle painting and more made The Guinness Yard the place to be. Courtesy of Geerthan Ranjhan
Guinness has proudly partnered with the Caribbean community for many years to bring people together at Toronto Caribbean Carnival to celebrate all things Caribbean. Whether you sip it on a summer’s day or add it to a mouthwatering jerk marinade recipe, you can enjoy a new side of Guinness while embracing its proud Caribbean ties.
Narcity does not condone the overconsumption of alcohol. If you’re going to drink alcohol, please do so responsibly and only if you’re of legal age.
