Toronto’s 37th Annual Jamaican Patty Day is happening February 23

Toronto’s Annual Jamaican Patty Day pays tribute to the city’s Jamaican community and influence on local cuisine

TORONTO, ON – February 22, 2022 – On Wednesday, February 23, the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) will invite Torontonians to enjoy a delicious patty in honour of the 37th annual Jamaican Patty Day in Toronto. This annual food holiday recognizes a unique part of Toronto’s history, acknowledging Jamaica’s important impact on the local community, culture and food scene. Toronto residents are encouraged to enjoy a patty from their favourite Toronto Jamaican eatery on February 23.

Toronto has a wealth of highly touted Jamaican eateries and now Caribbean Eats is also introducing itself to the Eglinton West community by collaborating with local businesses and organizations in the spirit of black entrepreneurship and community.

Toronto is renowned for its international culinary offerings and cuisines, and the city has an interesting history with the humble Jamaican patty dating back nearly forty decades. In February 1985, Toronto’s historic “Patty Wars” took place when city food inspectors told several local Jamaican patty vendors that they could no longer use the term “beef patties”. Negotiations were held and the Jamaican patty vendors eventually prevailed.

To celebrate the peaceful resolution of this delicious dispute, February 23 has been henceforth known as Jamaican Patty Day in Toronto.

“The people of Toronto are very passionate about this Jamaican staple; everyone has an opinion about who makes the best beef patty in town. It’s also a great opportunity to support your favourite local patty vendor,” said Angella Bennett, Regional Director – Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board. “We encourage all Torontonians to celebrate Jamaican Patty Day in Toronto and savour a taste of the island here at home.”

Toronto Mayor John Tory also shared an official letter of greeting with the JTB and Toronto’s Jamaican community acknowledging the importance of the annual food holiday.

“The City of Toronto is home to a vibrant Jamaican population whose unique contributions to food, music, and art enrich our city’s diverse culture. As one of the world’s most diverse cities and home to people from all over the world, the valued contributions of diverse communities strengthen our society and contribute to our city’s motto, ‘Diversity Our Strength’,” the letter reads.

From savoury meat patties and juicy jerk to spicy peppered shrimp and rich oxtail stew, Jamaica’s vibrant culinary heritage makes the tropical destination a must-visit spot for foodies, or anyone simply looking to try something new. To learn more about Jamaican cuisine, visit visitjamaica.com/feel-the-vibe/cuisine.

Caribbean Eats will give out 250 FREE patties

Also, on Jamaican Patty Day in Toronto, Caribbean Eats located at 1860 Eglinton Avenue West, will be distributing approximately 250 free patties to the community in celebration of Patty Day in Toronto on February 23, 2022.

Caribbean Eats say “Patty Day in Toronto was first celebrated in Toronto in 1985 after local vendors won the right to maintain the name of the Jamaican beef patty.

Celebrating the 37th anniversary of this victory, Caribbean Eats is introducing itself to the Eglinton West community by collaborating with local businesses and organizations in the spirit of black entrepreneurship and community.”

Patrons will receive one patty person and must register to participate on Eventbrite.

Caribbean Eats has a new location at 1860 Eglinton Avenue West. The event will be taking place between the hours of 11am to 3pm.

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