Notting Hill Carnival rivals its Rio de Janeiro counterpart in spectacle, and any European costume parade in attendance.
The number of visitors has already surpassed two million. The tradition began in the sixties of the twentieth century: a celebration of Caribbean culture in the London area of Notting Hill was brought by immigrants from the West Indies. Over time, the carnival has become a true symbol of their cultural unity with the natives of the capital.
For two weekends and “Bank Monday” at the end of August, the north London neighborhood is filled with national bands and hundreds of dancers dressed in incredible colorful outfits. Some of them are dressed as characters from the folk tales of the islands of Trinidad and Tobago – key members of the British Afro-Caribbean community and parade participants have come from these places. After the show ends at 7 p.m., the festivities move to local pubs and clubs.
