Toronto — The sexual energy on the street, eye contact, flirting — and the enticing possibility of a hotel-room rendezvous later — is what attracts men and women from around the world to Toronto's International Carnival, some parade-watchers said Saturday.

"It's totally about beautiful people. That's what we're in it for, beautiful women," said Malard Hill, who drove in from New York for the Caribbean festival and a boys' weekend of wild times.

"The testosterone is flowing, the estrogen is flowing, it's about seeing and being seen. That's what it's all about for me," said Mr. Hill, decked out in his most flattering, muscle bearing tank-top and whistling at women walking by.

The girls said they were ready for all the ogling men who started streaming into the city on Friday for the weekend, popular for the two-kilometre parade held Saturday.

"You take a break from your boyfriend for this, and tell him you'll call him next week," said Natasha Lawrence, 18, of Toronto, a model on a float sponsored by Ambrosia, an American clothing company. "And it's OK because you know he's doing the same thing!"

Up and down Yonge Street in the heart of the city's downtown, groups of young men and women were on the prowl, stopping to meet each other and talk when they liked what they saw. Men in Mercedes and bulky SUVs cruised the strip, staring down cliques of girls in bejewelled tube tops and studded, skin-tight jeans.

Along the parade route, the younger crowd stood back from the barricades, socializing more than watching the procession that annually attracts about one million people.

Spectators had lots of time to see the elaborate floats and costumes pass by: the parade began before noon and was to continue until 8 p.m. The massive street party showcased 17 masquerade bands, steel bands, Caribbean food and a crafts marketplace.

Charlene DaSilva, a dancer with a steel-drum band, said being in the parade boosts her self-esteem. Men and women alike were whistling at her glittery gold bikini adorned with peacock feathers.

"It makes me feel like a million dollars, without the million dollars! It's awesome. You strut your stuff, go with the flow and meet everyone."

Everyone gets swept up in that attitude, creating a sort of "northern Mardi Gras," said New Yorker John Glen. "The scene is hot and it's everywhere. In the hotel elevators, in the streets, in the bars, on the streetcars."

Women at the festival agreed, saying they made their fashion plans far in advance, to ensure they had sexy outfits for the parade, the parties and even dashing out of the hotel for coffee or shopping downtown with the girls.

"In March we started talking about it, our outfits, how we were going to do our hair," said Collette Cameron, 21, a Toronto waitress.

The men said they certainly appreciated the effort, saying Toronto was awash with eye candy.

"The people-watching is amazing. Canada's lovely, I'll just say that much with out getting into too much trouble," said Andrew Wilson, from Rochester, N.Y., as he laughed with a group of his buddies.