Toronto’s Sankofa Square officially opens next month with a grand celebration

Toronto’s Sankofa Square officially opens after its renaming next month. Along with its landmark day, there will be a thrilling celebration to commemorate the occasion with a ton of free experiences throughout the day. Here’s what to know.

Sankofa Day

A date has been set for the official opening of Sankofa Square in Toronto. Mark your calendars for Aug. 23, 2025, as the city will not only welcome visitors to the square with its new name, but will run free programming featuring local creatives, food, digital and film showcases, activations, art installations and more.

“This powerful, free, full-day event marks a significant new cultural tradition for Toronto, rooted in remembrance, healing, and the vibrant future of the Square,” shares Sankofa Square representatives.

The event also commemorates UNESCO’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, also known as “Sankofa Day.”

“This celebration brings a global moment of reflection to Canadian soil in an unprecedented public and large-scale manner, honouring the African Diaspora while championing a united future rooted in justice, belonging, and creative expression,” they add.

Community celebration

The free celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. and will run until 11 p.m.

What to expect

The Black-led community-run event will feature:

• Indigenous and African ancestral ceremonies,
• Art installations,
• Food, digital and film showcases,
• Cultural and sports activations, performances,
• A headline DJ set to close the night.

Sankofa Day at Sankofa Square was made possible through a number of community partnerships. One of the key contributors was the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario, which plays an important role in the African Ancestral Acknowledgement Ceremony, a powerful and central part of the day’s events.

“We are honoured to stand with Sankofa Square in marking this momentous occasion,” said Emmanuel Duodu, president of the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario. “For the first time in such a prominent and public way in Canada, our collective history is being acknowledged. This celebration is a vital opportunity to honour the ancestors, share our stories, and inspire future generations.”

You don’t want to miss out on this wonderful, one-day experience. Honour the past and celebrate with Toronto’s future.

Sankofa Square opening and celebration

When: Aug. 23, 2025
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Sankofa Square
Cost: Free to attend

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