‘Culture matters:’ CariSask takes Regina to the Caribbean

The event took place throughout Friday and Saturday with a parade, live music, beer gardens, kids activities and food.

Dancing was also a significant activity going on outside of the Royal Saskatchewan Museum Saturday afternoon.

Different skill levels were performing wearing feathers on their heads, glitter and CariSask 2018 t-shirts.

Among the intermediate dancers is Emmanuel Osasesli, who isn’t actually from the Caribbean but believes it’s important to practice other cultures.

“I’m from Nigeria, but I dance Caribbean dance and teach Caribbean dance,” he said.

He was first introduced to the style by his friend and stuck with it because it’s similar to Nigerian dancing.

“Culture matters. The different people with different cultures, they need to take away that being yourself and knowing who you are and loving who you are is really important,” Osaseli said. “There’s always opportunities for you to learn about a new culture and also practice that new culture.”

Dave Hall, who’s from Jamaica, was making Caribbean dishes for guests.

He said a Jamaican original recipe called jerk chicken is a staple in the Caribbean. It’s made with garlic, green onion, thyme, bay leaves, pimento and other spices.

He also served a dish with rice, peas, kidney beans, coconut milk and herbs and spices.

CariSask is an annual festival in Regina, with this one marking over 13 years of the vibrant celebration.