Growing up in Canarsie, I’ve always believed this neighborhood was more than just a place on the map — it’s a living, breathing community full of resilience, creativity and culture. That belief led to the creation of Taste of Canarsie and Celebrate Canarsie — events built from the ground up to bring people together through food, music and unity. Now, through Mas in Canarsie, we’ve reached a new milestone in that journey.
In partnership with Visit Canarsie and TriniJam BK, Mas in Canarsie is more than just a weekend street festival. It’s an encapsulation of everything we’ve been working toward — a vibrant, open-air celebration of our community’s Caribbean roots, artistic talent and entrepreneurial spirit. Taking place as part of NYC Open Streets, every Saturday and Sunday in August along East 95th Street, Mas in Canarsie offers a safe space where families can enjoy live music, cultural arts, local food and a renewed sense of belonging.
What moves me most is the overwhelming support from the Canarsie community. Each week, I witness neighbors, elders, youth and small businesses show up — not just to attend, but to invest in the future of our neighborhood. As someone who grew up here — and is now raising a family here alongside my partner, Latoya, who also calls Canarsie home — it fills me with pride to help build something rooted in love, culture and purpose.
We created this space to highlight the beauty of Canarsie that’s too often overlooked. From steelpan rhythms to handmade crafts, from doubles to dancehall, every element of Mas in Canarsie tells a story — a story of home, heritage and hope.
Canarsie is alive with talent, tradition and untapped potential. And together, we’re not just celebrating it — we’re elevating it.
Text and photos courtesy of Calvin Sennon, Co-Creator of Taste of Canarsie, Celebrate Canarsie and Mas in Canarsie
