The first Caribbean Winter Festival took place on January 26, 2019, at the Aria Convention Center, Edmonton, spinning a taste of the Caribbean. It had a long list of performances; Catalyst Band (Soca Calypso, Reggae), Scarlet Ibis Band (Soca Calypso, Reggae), Bob Marley Reggae Tribute show with Worry-Free World Band, Trincan Steel Orchestra (Calypso Steel Drums), Cuban Movements Dance Ensemble, No Big Deal Dance Troupe, Natty Royal (Reggae), Crystal Reid and her band (Caribbean Gospel), Dondee and his band (Caribbean Gospel), Cyras, Moon (Soca Calypso), Free Latin Dance Workshop bringing Cuban Salsa and Reggaeton dances with Instructor Leonardo Gonzalez of Cuban Movements Dance School.
It showcased a cultural and touristic side of the Caribbean with music, food, and dance while promoting a wide variety of local small businesses. The event also featured a food drive campaign which collected food for the Edmonton food bank, live steel drum ensemble, live calypso and reggae bands, artists, Caribbean gospel and African gospel performers, Caribbean and Latin dance groups.
