Bright, sequined costumes, upbeat music and vibrant Caribbean culture will flood South Florida on Sunday, as the Miami Broward Carnival celebrates its 33rd year on the road.
The parade will take place on Sunday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m at the Miami-Dade County fairgrounds. The all-day “fete,” or party, is the first major event post-Hurricane Irma, according to general counsel Marlon Hill.
“Miami is a Caribbean city, so every Caribbean city irrespective of language, we celebrate Caribbean culture, the costumes, the music, the energy, the passion, the food,” Hill said.
Several masquerade bands will perform at the parade, portraying various themes, vivid colors and music. One Island Band, for instance, will present the theme “Namaste” in light of recent turbulent events.
“Our goal for 2017 is let’s try to respect each other and lift each other up,” said Rolando Jarvis, masquerade band leader.
Hill said he hopes this carnival season will help bring support to hurricane victims in the Caribbean.
“We’re still mourning the loss of all the American citizens in Las Vegas, and you have Hurricane Maria and Hurricane Maria,” Hill said. “This carnival season, we’re hoping to not only use the inspiration of our culture, to even raise support for hurricane relief victims in the Caribbean.”
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Free shuttle services will be available to transport carnival-goers to the event, with locations at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, Golden Glades Interchange and Tropical Park, Hill said.
People from all over the world venture to South Florida for Miami Carnival, including Denmark, Japan, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Bermuda, Africa, London and New York, according to a news release.
"Miami Carnival showcases its rich heritage to take full advantage of that heritage and provides both visitors and residents alike the opportunity to ingrain themselves into the fabric of the community while adding the entertainment value," the release said.
Miami Broward Carnival will be on Sunday, Oct. 8 at the Miami-Dade County fairgrounds, located at 10901 SW 24 St. in Miami. For more information, call 305-653-1877 or visit miamibrowardcarnival.com.
