By NAN Travel Editor
News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Aug. 24, 2018: It’s carnival time for many Caribbean nationals in the US and UK Diaspora and that means non-stop parties for some, skimpy but stunning costumes and of course delicious and mouthwatering Caribbean dishes. Here are some of the top carnivals you should know that run through November 2018:
Raleigh, NC Caribbean Carnival
The Raleigh-Durham Afro-Caribbean-Association presents the 7th Annual CaribMask Carnival Parade and Festival Village, tomorrow, August 25th along 400 Fayetteville Street in Raleigh. Kick-off time is noon.
Notting Hill Caribbean Carnival
The annual Notting Hill carnival, which has been taking place since 1966, is set for August 26, 2018 – August 27, 2018. It will take over the areas of Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove and Wesbourne Park in West London. The main parade begins on Great Western Road and will make its way along Chepstow Road, before leading on to Westbourne Grove and then travel down Ladbroke Grove.
Leeds Caribbean Carnival
The Leeds Caribbean Carnival will take place on August 27th. It will kick off with J’Ouvert from the West Indian Centre on Laycock Place. The costumed parade parade leaves at 2 p.m. for Potternewton Park, Harehills Avenue Leeds 7.
West Indian American Carnival – Brooklyn, NY
The 51st annual West Indian American Day Carnival in Brooklyn, NY kicks off officially on Thursday, August 30th with a funky reggae party featuring music Ambassadors Charly Black (Jamaica), Nailah Blackman (Trinidad), Ayo Jay (Nigeria), Linky First (Jamaica) and Brooklyn’s own Aquel J (Trinidad) & DyDy (Jamaica), all performing popular hits like Party Animal, You’re Perfect, Rock and Come In, Bumper, Baila Mami, O’ Lawd Oye, Your Number, Let Him Go, Special One, Pop Out and more.
On Friday, August 31st, the event will host the annual Summer Jam: Stay In School Concert & Youth Fest and in the evening from 8 p.m., the popular Brass Fest concert will feature Soca Ambassadors Destra Garcia & Bakanal Band (Trinidad), Motto (St. Lucia), Marzville (Barbados), Patrice Roberts (Trinidad), Dil-E-Nadan (Trinidad), Lyrikal (Trinidad), Farmer Nappy (Trinidad), Problem Child (St. Vincent), Turner (Trinidad), Freezy (St. Lucia), Skinny Banton (Grenada) and Brooklyn’s own Rayzor & Request Band in one huge outdoor party.
On Saturday, September 1st its time for the Junior Carnival and the steel annual Panorama 2018 showcase in the evening. On Sunday, September 2nd, the Dimanche Gras finale includes Calypso Ambassadors, Lord Nelson, King David Rudder, Cultural Ambassador Denise Belfon, Explainer, Ras Iley and more along with the King, Queen and Individuals of the Bands costume presentations.
The event will culminate with a giant, colorful Caribbean costume parade on Monday, September 3rd on the famed Eastern Parkway.
Hackney Caribbean Carnival
The Hackney One Carnival in The London Borough of Hackney returns on Sunday, September 11th with a parade from 2 p.m. along Queensbridge Road, Richmond Road, Mare Street, Amhurst Road and Dalston Lane. A program of street arts will take place on Mare Street from noon.
Miami Carnival
The annual Miami Carnival returns on Sunday, October 7 to Miami, FL. The parade will be preceded by a Jr Carnival for children on Sept. 29th; a Panorama or steel pan competition on Oct. 5th and the official J’Ouvert celebration from 7 a.m. on Oct. 6th.
Las Vegas Latin Caribbean Carnival
The annual Las Vegas Latin CaribbeanCarnival in Sin City returns this year on Oct. 27, 2018 in in downtown Las Vegas.
Bayou Bacchanal
The original Caribbean Carnival of New Orleans returns on November 3, 2018 and is the last Caribbean Diaspora carnival on the annual calendar.
