Every December 21st
Friday, December 21st, 2018 marked the longest night of the year in Toronto. On the corner of Augusta and Oxford, the Kensington Market BIA, presented by Red Pepper Spectacle Arts, held their 29th annual Solstice Parade. Winter solstice plays a significant role in many cultures, especially during times when people were economically dependent on monitoring seasonal shifts and starvation was common in the first months of winter. According to the CBC, for the First Nations, winter solstice is the time for the people to replenish their spirits and to dream. Although many cultures celebrate winter solstice in their own unique way, one common symbolic thread is that of renewal or new beginnings.
Winter solstice is the time for the people to replenish their spirits and to dream.
Winter Solstice Parade
Clustered in the centre of the intersection of Augusta and Oxford, the night began with a drum circle calling for the light. There was fire blowing, live music and artistic performances. Right at 7pm, the fire-breather bearing her lit torch – representing and celebrating the return of light – began the parade. Right behind her followed the procession of oversized, beautifully-designed heads of various creatures inspired by First Nation’s spirits. Closely behind the spirits were the rhythmic beats of several drum circles, a variety of horns, and a lot of whistle-blowers. Finally followed by a river of people with lanterns. It still amazes me that a tiny street corner could fit so many people in such tight quarters. Nonetheless, it made the neighbourhood even cozier. Kensington was bursting with the energy of music, light, and people dancing along the street. And just like that, within 10 minutes, the parade was over for us.
Due to a prior commitment, we couldn’t stay to see the Winter Solstice Parade to its conclusion, but if it finished like it started, it’s definitely a must see experience. We will certainly be back next year!
Here are a few things we learned for the next time around:
- Street parking is a bitch. Find a parking P or outside parking a couple blocks away, it’s honestly just easier. As always in Kensington, pedestrians, cyclists and cars are fighting for their own space, and it definitely comes to a head on this night.
- Watch out for the kiddies. This is a very PG, family-friendly celebration, so there’s a lot of small kids around, just make sure you don’t accidentally walk into one of them. :/
- Be aggressive. B.E. Aggressive. But not too much. If you don’t use a little force, you will be sucked into the parade’s current and the next thing you know you can only identify Jan-Michael because he’s holding the camera crane above his head with a tiny lit screen on it.
- Have I mentioned there’s a lot of people? So much so that I have to mention it twice!
- It’s a lot of fun! This was an especially warm night so it really elevated the atmosphere.
Going to Kensington but just missed the celebration? Check out our adventure at Krudar Muay Thai to really heat up your winter chill.
