It makes me so happy to be writing about this right now?
After 2 years of no carnival due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, London was finally able to bring back the Notting Hill Carnival which takes place in August every year.
What is the Notting Hill Carnival?
The Notting Hill Carnival is an annual Caribbean event that has taken place in London since 1966 on the streets of the Notting Hill area of Kensington each August over two days (the August bank holiday Monday and the preceding Sunday). It is led by members of the British West Indian community, and attracts around two and a half million people annually, making it one of the world?s largest street festivals, and a significant event in Black British culture. In 2006, the UK voted it onto a list of icons of England.
Why Is It Important?
The political and social conditions following the migration of people from the Caribbean in 1948 led to the introduction of the Notting Hill Carnival. Initially known as the Trinidad Carnival, which celebrates Caribbean culture and traditions, the first Notting Hill Carnival was held in 1966.
Nearly 500 people in Notting Hill attended the first Notting Hill Carnival celebration. The carnival has evolved into Europe?s biggest street festival, attracting hundreds of thousands to the streets of London. The popularity of the carnival continues to grow every year.
What Does It Consist Of?
The two-day festival features 5 aspects: masquerade, steel pan bands, sound systems, soca and calypso. The expected turnout is 50,000 performers in the parade alone and at least 30 sound systems. More than 2 million people from around the world attend the carnival, which generates a large revenue for the economy (93 million GBP to be precise). The number of volunteers at the carnival every year is 40,000. 15,000 is the number of costumes created for the carnival every year and 30 million is the number of sequins it takes to make and decorate all the costumes.
What Activities Can You Do to Celebrate?
- Cook a Caribbean dish ? Caribbean food is a great fusion of cuisine from the many countries that colonised the area or had some other presence in the islands. You?ll find European, Latin America, Cajun and African influences in many traditional recipes.
- Listen to Caribbean Music ? Reggae, Meringue, Calypso and Rumba are some examples of the breadth and versatility of Caribbean musical styles. During Notting Hill Carnival, groove on the beats and appreciate their uniqueness.
- Visit a program at the Notting Hill Carnival ? Over the two-day festival, there are a variety of different activities and programs going on. Watch a parade, watch a music competition, or listen to a Caribbean history lesson.
Why Do We Love the Carnival?
- The Party ? One of the charms of the Notting Hill Carnival, is being able to walk around and see attendees let loose and have a good time. It is a great time to forget the rat race, let your hair down, and enjoy the moment. Plus, security at the carnival is always very tight, allowing everyone to relax and have a great time.
- The Culture ? Much of what we know about the Caribbean is the beautiful landscapes we see on tv and in magazines. The carnival allows us to see that there is so much more to it than just that. This includes the food, the dancing, the music, and the warm people.
- Costumes ? Some of the most interesting features consist of the colourful and amazing costumes that people wear which consist of colours like reds, yellows, pinks, greens, purples, oranges and blues.
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