By Tangerine Clarke

A Richmond Hill resident named Layla said she has been coming out to enjoy the Annual Phagwah Parade for the last 10 years because of what it symbolizes: love, peace and happiness.Layla was among hundreds of Caribbean nationals who lined Liberty Avenue last Saturday, March 26, to witness the colourful spectacle, wherein nationals doused each other with abeer in vivid

colours of red, green, blue and yellow dye to celebrate the festival’s 25th annual float parade and cultural presentation.

Despite being cancelled last year due to disagreement among organisers, the Annual Phagwah Parade returned in its colourful splendour, and lit up the streets with decorated floats, tassa drumming, live music, and revellers who danced and sang on the more that 25 floats decorated with colourful images of spring.

Holi, or Phagwah festival, organised by the greater New York-based Guyanese Hindus, marked the beginning of spring, and signifies good over evil.