Miami Florida with its towing palm trees waving in the wind and its scattered pools reflecting the beauty of the boundless sky, is home to the final major carnival of the calendar year. Held for past 35 years on the Columbus-day weekend, Miami carnival provides a unique experience to its participants. Though not the mecca of carnival, many carnival lovers, from all over the world, pledge to journey to Miami at least once in their lifetime to pay homage to the God of Bacchanal and revel in the bliss that is Miami carnival.

Junior Calypsonian

In keeping with tradition, the official events were kicked off with the Junior Carnival on October 5^th; the Saturday preceding the Columbus Day weekend.  Structured to cultivate the passing of the baton of the culture of Carnival to the young people, this year junior Carnival proved that the culture is in good hands.

 

Panorama held on the Friday night of the holiday weekend brought the rhythms of sweet Steelpan music to a large crowd of pan aficionados. The patrons of mainly mature folks braved the inclement weather to lend support to the four competing bands. They were not disappointed as the level of performances were remarkably high and competitive. Only 1 point separated the winner, Steel Away playing “Iron Love” from the first runner-up, New Generation playing “Savannah Gras”. Guest appearances by Poser and the highly anticipated Trinidad Massy All Stars Steel Orchestra brought the house down sending patrons home satisfied with the nights’ proceeding.

What is a carnival without mud, tar, tie-dye and powder? That’s what the J’ouvert was, bacchanal and powder. On Saturday, October 12^th, the Miami Carnival Official J’ouvert, like the events above, was held at the Central Broward Regional Park to a massive crowd of jubilant revelers. After a mid-morning start, the bacchanal persisted until late in the afternoon to the delight of the spectators and masqueraders alike. Caribbean food, drinks, art & craft and light clothing were on sale to give those not quite familiar with the culture a taste.

 

The main event of the celebrations, the parade of the bands, was held at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds, on Sunday, October 13^th. Unlike most carnivals which are held on the streets, this enclosed location added a picnic-like atmosphere to the occasion. The events consist of a thoughtfully curated celebration of the Caribbean through pageantry, music, food, arts & crafts, and cultural experiences; it was a Kaleidoscope of Caribbean Culture.

The Parade of Bands brought the colorful display of costumes of over 15,000 masqueraders and revelers parading freely without the intrusion of non-masqueraders as they capture the spirit, passion, and the essence of Caribbean culture.

 

One of the unique features of Miami carnival is the mega-concert. Held on the same day and in the same location as the parade of the bands, it brought together some of the top 35 Soca music ambassadors. Some of the artistes to perform were: – Kes the Band (Trinidad), Dil-E-Nadan Band (Trinidad), Farmer Nappy (Trinidad), Nailah Blackman (Trinidad), Nadia Batson (Trinidad), Mr Killa (Grenada), Julien Believe (Bahamas), Swappi (Trinidad), Stitchie (Guyana), 5 Star Akil (Trinidad), Teddyson John (St. Lucia), Kiprich (Jamaica), King Bubba (Barbados) and many more.

 

The concert started before 6:00 pm and lasted for the better part of six hours with patrons dancing and singing along to their favorite songs.

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