Notting Hill Carnival

Notting Hill is the trendiest area of London. It lies in west London close to the north western corner of Hyde Park.

Here in Notting Hill a street carnival takes place every year in the last week in August, a parade along the streets of this famous borough, over two days (Sunday and the following bank holiday). It is considered the second largest street carnival in the world after Rio de Janeiro.

This festival began in 1965. It initially began with the immigrants from the Caribbean where the carnival tradition is very strong and the people living locally dreamed of creating a festival to bring together the people of Notting Hill. Most of them were facing racism, discrimination and poor housing conditions. At the time the state of race relations was very depressing. The Caribbeans organized the event to minimize the tensions between the two rival groups and it was attended by around a thousand people turning out to be a huge success.

However, this carnival and many of the following were spoiled by riots between Caribbean youths and the police.

This event is generally considered as a real proof of London’s multicultural diversity though dominated by the Caribbean culture.

The carnival is made up of five disciplines: masquerade, political, social and satirical commentary set to music, which is a fusion of soul, calypso and samba. The parade is filled with feathered costumes and plenty of dancers who dance to the rhythm of music.

Don’t miss it. If you have a good opportunity go and enjoy yourself!!






RESEARCH BY: MICAELA TOSCANO, 11st C

Posted by: Teresa Guerreiro