Miami Carnival continues to capture the spirit, passion, and essence of the Caribbean-American community of South Florida.

Miami Carnival 2019 Reveller

Miami, FL - September 29, 2020 -- October is Arts and Humanities Month. The Miami Carnival cultural festival that takes place every Columbus Day weekend for the past 36 years has played a critical role in creating moments in a compelling way while sharing stories of the Caribbean and Carnival narrative, heritage, and culture. Miami continues to create the perfect backdrop to this year's platform as the story will pivot to a virtual platform and a reimagined space that, to the imaginative onlooker, will play out like you are watching a movie fused with a medley of Caribbean culture. The Miami Broward One Carnival Host committee will showcase this year's Miami Carnival starting on Thursday, October 7th, and running through Sunday, October 11th, 2020. The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau is the host sponsor. You can view this year's Miami Carnival at https://www.facebook.com/MiamiBrowardOneCarnival/.

Miami Carnival has left enduring memories for all, memories that have seared into people's subconscious to become lasting life images. As a long-running staple of the Carnival tradition, the combination of pageantry, rhythmic storytelling, and creativity are hard draws to ignore. In-grained in the Carnival tradition since its roots in Trinidad, the Carnival has continued to thrive and evolved into a show that's a treat for both participants and audiences alike.

The committee hopes that this year's presentation will prominently capture the vibrant esprit dimension of the rich texture of heritage that makes the Miami Carnival brand resonate with so many people locally and globally.

"The Caribbean culture of South Florida is so rich and wonderful. We love the fact that we can spotlight and celebrate a narrative such as Miami Carnival, allowing for the global community to join us virtually in this outward expression of culture.", stated Joan Hinkson, Miami Broward Carnival Chair.

"As a destination, we are all learning how to pivot and make what worked before still work but in a virtual format. We are excited that the Miami Carnival has also decided to move forward virtually this year," said Connie Kinnard, Vice President of Multicultural Tourism & Development with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. "The reach domestically and internationally to people interested in the Caribbean culture and performance arts showcased each year will still happen through social media channels and streaming opportunities. While the Miami Carnival energy is the in-person connection, this celebration of 36 years will serve as a great alternative. It will get everyone excited about coming back to Miami physically next year. We applaud the leadership of the Carnival for having the "Show Must Go On" attitude, and the GMCVB will continue partnering to showcase Miami's Caribbean connection."

Miami Carnival Virtual 2020 Lineup:

Welcome to Miami Virtual Weekend
Welcome to Miami Virtual Weekend
Thursday, October 8th, 2020

Junior Carnival Virtual Weekend
Junior Carnival Virtual Weekend
Friday, October 9th, 2020
Theme: Canboulay

Panorama Virtual Weekend
Panorama Virtual Weekend
Saturday, October 10th, 2020
Theme: Virtual Steel

Panorama Virtual Weekend
Carnival Sunday Virtual Weekend
Sunday, October 11th, 2020

Follow Miami Carnival on social media
Twitter
IG-MiaBroCarnival
facebook-https://www.facebook.com/MiamiBrowardOneCarnival/

History Of Carnival

Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago is celebrated before the commencement of the Lenten season. From 1783 for half a century, the French developed their Carnival, which was noted to be a season of gay and elegant festivities extending from Christmas to Ash Wednesday. These festivities consisted of dinners, balls, concerts, and hunting parties.

The Africans started to participate in the festivities from 1833 after the Emancipation Bill was passed. The Africans brought Canboulay to its festivities. Canboulay was first played on August 1st, Emancipation Day, but subsequently took place after midnight on Dimanche Gras, the Sunday before Carnival.

In the early celebration of the festival, the mass's activities were held over the three days preceding Ash Wednesday. In 1943 Carnival on the street was restricted to Monday & Tuesday. Carnival celebrations were banned for the duration of World War II. ( Andrew Carr, "Carnival" from David Frost Introduces Trinidad and Tobago, London: Andre Deutsch, c1975 )--Credit: National Carnival Commission of Trinidad and Tobago website.

Miami Carnival is made possible with the support of the Miami Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.

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www.miamicarnival.org