Don’t rain on our parade! Millions refuse to let the rain dampen their Carnival spirit

Despite the downpour, carnival revelers showed up in droves to celebrate the 50th year of Notting Hill Carnival which was first held in 1964 as a way for Afro-Caribbean communities to celebrate their own cultures and traditions. Hundreds of performers wearing ponchos over their costumes and other rain deterring garments danced on the drenched streets of West London determined not to let the rain dampen their spirits.

More carnival dancers

Carnival Dancer

“I came all the way from Huddersfield! Rain or shine, I was going to be here regardless,” said one reveler who had made the three and a half hour journey to attend this festival held annually over two days each August. “The rain is not going to kill the vibes for me,” claimed another reveler who comes each year and follows the IsisMas float. “I’ve been coming to this Carnival for over twenty years.”

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Notting Hill Carnival Sign

With an eclectic mix of color and cool vibes, rum punch was the drink of choice and food stands serving Caribbean dishes from Jerk chicken to Curry Goat were littered across the Carnival route which ran from  Great Western Road, winding its way along Chepstow Road, then on to Westbourne Grove, and then down Ladbroke Grove in West London.

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Over 6,000 Metropolitan Police Officers were deployed for the Carnival which ran past its 8pm wrap time as dancers and musicians paraded through the streets alongside floats. This year’s event paid tribute to the steel drum, a musical instrument originating from Trinidad and Tobago, and a significant aspect of the carnival.

Samantha Ofole-Prince is a journalist and movie critic who covers industry-specific news that includes television and film. She serves as a Senior Editor for Trendy Africa.

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