Where Were You For Carnival!

Warning! If you have NOT attended Miami Carnival in your lifetime prepare to be AMAZED!  There is breath taking, eye catching, colorful costumes moving to the various sounds of Soca and Reggae music in true authentic caribbean style.  And when we “play mas” we do not ignore the spectators.  We, as masqueraders, come to display our costumes and our island pride, but we are well known for dancing with willing spectators so they too can have the full carnival experience.

Machel Montano Ft. Lil Rick – Coming Again (Official Remix)

At Miami Carnival you will hear the sound of soca thumping, the sight of pans [steel pan drums], lots of glitter and beads, the smell of curry everywhere, the touch of feathers, plenty of dancing and playing, and let’s not forget the taste of Ting, Ginger Beer, Red Stripe and Guinness. It’s Caribbean food, drink, and music.  People are everywhere, so please prepare to wait in traffic if you do not join in.  You see at one time Miami and Broward each seperately held their own carnival and yet there was still enough food drinks and people to have a great turn out at each event.  But in 2009, Miami Carnival stood with Broward Carnival as a united carnival.  This kept the people from having to choose or drive several miles to attend both.  It worked out so well that Maimi and Broward Carnival teamed up again in 2010 and 2011. This year the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee presented its 3rd Annual Miami Broward One Carnival on Sunday, October 9th, 2011 at SunLife Stadium. It was a wonderful turnout with approximately 20 masquerade bands parading in full costume as well as having a full LIVE concert featuring international Caribbean performers.

Each band has a theme that they portray and brings to life on Carnival day.  FYI, if you are a spectator be sure to walk with a sunblock, water, and a folding chair.  You will most likely need them all, as you enjoy the parade on the streets of Miami Gardens.  This is a time to relax and enjoy the sweet music of the steel pan as the groups perform some of  the Caribbean’s favorite songs.  There are music trucks that carry the music and entertainment. A typical music truck is assembled using a trailer bed truck and racks of large speakers and music equipment.  The deejays and entertainers perform from the truck while the bands are on the road.  During the Carnival parade of the bands, the masqueraders closely follow the music trucks as they makes their way to main stage for judging.  Experts are flown in from across the globe to judge the bands in various categories. The bands wait in the wings for their opportunity to cross the main stage and to “let loose”, unleashing the story behind their theme. It is a great experience and the memories last a lifetime.  Well, at least until next year when the party starts all over again!!!