'It's a matter of identity': People celebrate Caribbean diaspora in Dartmouth

The Ferry Terminal Park in Dartmouth was vibrant with black, yellow and green on Sunday as people celebrated Caribbean cultures and the Jamaican Celebration, which happens in August. 

The smell of oxtail filled the air at the Caribbean Diaspora Multicultural Celebration, as well as the sounds of reggae and soca. 

Celia Deer, one of the vendors at the event, served rice and peas, fried chicken, coconut cake and other Jamaican classics. 

"My favourite part as an event like this is that I get to see all my friends," she said. "Jamaica is a beautiful place and we love celebrating our independence. We love celebrating our food, our music, our vibes, our culture, our art."

At one of the tents, Olive Phillips stood surrounded by graphics, maps and photographs. A retired teacher and president of the Jamaican Cultural Association of Nova Scotia, she spoke about the history between the Caribbean and Nova Scotia.

From the 600 Maroons that were exiled to Nova Scotia to contemporary immigration, she said she loves sharing the stories of her people. 

She came to Canada decades ago to teach school. 

She felt homesick at times. But she says events like these can help people feel more at home. 

"It's a matter of identity," Phillips said. "People need to feel accepted that they belong in the community. We need to have people realize that, within the context of this mosaic, we're all important."