Miami Carnival Masquerader Julissa Douglas
MIAMI – Everyone is well aware that Miami residents know how to throw a party.
Despite many people being impacted by Hurricane Irma, that fact remains true.
On Sunday, October 8, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. a kaleidoscope of Caribbean cultures will celebrate one of Miami’s premier cultural festivals that captures the spirit, passion and essence of the Caribbean-American community.
This rich tradition, in its 33rd year, will take place at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds, 10901 SW 24 Street in Miami.
The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau is the host sponsor and JetBlue is the official airline carrier of the day that includes the diverse and unique flavors of Caribbean food, drinks and crafts.
“Now more than ever Greater Miami is proud to showcase the rich cultural traditions of our Caribbean neighbors, friends and families during Miami Carnival. We encourage visitors and locals to discover and enjoy the events and pageantry of this year’s festival as it pays tribute to the history and culture of the Caribbean and its extraordinarily resilient spirited people,” said William S.
Talbert III, President and CEO of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.
While residents are still working through Irma’s challenges, Greater Miami is open for business, with the majority of its hotels and restaurants open and fully operational. Miami International Airport and PortMiami are fully operational and welcoming passengers.
“This year’s Miami Carnival will take place in a context of sadness and sorrow, but will remain a celebration of and a tribute to all our sisters and brothers in the Caribbean who have suffered tremendously in the wake of Hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria,” said Joan Justin, Chair of the Miami Broward Carnival One Host Committee.
“The United States of America, Florida and the Caribbean became one family through the common experience of the impact of the hurricanes this historic season,” said Marlon Hill, Miami attorney and past Trustee with The Miami Foundation.
“As a result, we will need each other during this challenging period of recovery and rebuilding. We encourage all Carnival patrons and community organizations to support the US Caribbean Strong Relief Fund held at The Miami Foundation at give.miamifoundation.org/caribbean and more information at sflcaribbeanstrong.org.”
There are over 15 masquerade bands that will be judged on visual impact, creativity, authenticity, craftsmanship, relation to the theme, portability and presentation for prizes, and the coveted Miami Carnival Band of the Year Title.
One Island Mas Band, the 2016 Band of the Year, is preparing to keep their coveted title. Soca artists set to ignite the concert stage that day include: MX Prime and Ultimate Rejects, Karma, Ravi B & Neisha B, Shurwayne Winchester, Terri Lyons, Lead Pipe & Saddis, Edwin Yearwood, Yankey Boy, Marz Ville, Julien Believe, Scrappy, Asten Isaac, Rudy Live, Burning Flames, Tian Winters, Menace, Rupee and TNT Prison Band.
The DJ lineup includes; Redman, DJ Spice, DJ Storm, DJ Spice Mature Vibe, Chosen Plus and MC Wassy.
Miami Carnival will be donating $5,000 to the Miami Foundation’s U.S. Caribbean Strong Relief Fund, and will be encouraging all attendees to donate $1 towards the fund.
Carnival revelers and attendees infuse well over $12 million dollars of direct purchasing power into the local economy through expenditures in hotels, restaurants, transportation and shopping establishments and create thousands of seasonal jobs in the numerous ancillary events associated with the week-long celebration.
Tourists and visitors from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the entire Caribbean make an annual visit to Miami for Carnival. Not only does Miami Carnival promote Caribbean culture it promotes Caribbean businesses. The economy benefits from the richness and diversity of its cultural traditions.
Patrons are encouraged to use one of the three free park and ride locations that have been set up at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, Tropical Park and Golden Glades Interchange.
For more information, a schedule of events or to purchase tickets, visit www.miamibrowardcarnival.com or call 305-6531877.
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