People, excitement, colour, bright outfits, music, food, entertainment and diversity are just some of the things that you can expect to see at the Notting Hill Carnival.
Colour and bright outfits on parade
The Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street carnival in Europe that has been annually taking place in London since 1964. It is held over the August bank holiday weekend with the main procession, the ever loud and colourful parade taking place on the Monday, where you will find the largest carnival attendance of up to a million carnival revelers.
Its routes trace back to the culture of the Caribbean but it has now become a moving symbol of London’s diversity, embracing multiculture and carnival traditions from Asia, South America and Europe.
Walk through the crowd, feel the vibe and get yourself a good view of the parade so that you can enjoy the dance and sounds on display. As I strolled through the masses I was able to see many of the locals who reside in Notting Hill host their own house celebrations, so it is not uncommon to see people hanging out their windows or perched on their balconies.
Local residents enjoying the Notting Hill carnival
At one point, much to my amusement, I somehow took part in the parade. I guess my emotion pulled me in and I didn’t even realise, nonetheless I was not to be stopped as I was having a ball.
Don’t miss out on the parties and atmosphere in which you can stumble upon in the side streets as these can be most memorable.
A fantastic event full of history and tradition that must be experienced live!
Try the food, it would be rude not too! The plantain is divine! I highly recommend you don’t deprive your taste buds of the pleasure.
Here are some clips I found on youtube to get you in the groove…
Notting Hill Carnival where the whole world is invited
Notting Hill Carnival 2009 – Selection of the best
That’ll have to do for now! Until next time!
