A weekend-long celebration of Caribbean and carnival culture in Downtown Orlando with a fashion show, Jouvert party, parade, contests, and music concerts.
Get ready to experience the vibrant rhythms, colorful costumes, and infectious energy of Caribbean culture right in the heart of Downtown Orlando this Memorial Day Weekend. There are four events celebrating the rich traditions of Caribbean and carnival culture produced by local organizers Guenet and Sam Robert. From mesmerizing fashion showcases to spirited street parties and pulsating music concerts, you will immerse yourself in a whirlwind of festivities that embody the essence of art, beauty, and creative freedom. Whether you’re a seasoned carnival-goer or a newcomer eager to dive into the excitement, this series of events promise an unforgettable celebration of unity, community bonding, and cultural pride. Get ready to dance, revel, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
1. Carnival on the Runway
A ‘Red Carpet’ fashion and Carnival costume showcase celebration with elaborate costumes, body-wear, ‘Monday-Wear’ and so much more. It will feature students, emerging and international fashion designers in a festive environment that celebrates art, beauty and creative freedom. The winning design will receive a $3,000 cash prize.
- Carnival on the Runway will happen on Friday, May 24 from 6pm to 9pm at Camping World Stadium’s East Lounge at 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, FL 32805
- Tickets start at $40 at www.orlandocarnivaldowntown.com
2. Jouvert
A traditional pre-dawn street party celebrated in many Caribbean countries and communities around the world. In this vibrant and colorful event, participants throw paint, powder and water on each other, and dance to the rhythmic beats of calypso, soca, and steelpan music. It’s a time of unity, community bonding, and cultural pride.
- Jouvert will happen on Saturday, May 25 at from 8am to 2pm at Tinker Field Historic Plaza at 287 S Tampa Ave, Orlando, FL 32805
- Tickets: $40 at www.orlandocarnivaldowntown.com
3. Soca Anthropology – Back in Time Lime
With the theme of “Drums & Dragons”, The Vikings of Soca, Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons, will be the headliners of this event. Steelpan orchestras, Tassa drums, African drums, fire breathers, stilt walkers, spoken word artists and authentic Caribbean food are among the many attractions of Soca Anthropology.
- Soca Anthropology will happen on Saturday, May 25 from 6pm to 11pm at the Seneff Arts Plaza at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
- Tickets start at $40 at www.orlandocarnivaldowntown.com
4. Orlando Carnival Downtown
The event starts with a parade in the streets of Downtown Orlando and ends at the festival village at Tinker Field Historic Plaza where some of the most renowned international Caribbean artists will perform. The Mas Band parade will showcase artistically designed and handmade costumes. Judges will select the Band of the Year, along with the King and Queen of 2024 Orlando Carnival Downtown, as well as the Truck of the Year and the People’s Choice winners.
- Orlando Downtown Carnival Mas Band Parade will happen on May 26 from 1pm to 11:30pm starting on Church St between Tampa Ave and Rio Grande Ave and ending at Tinker Field Historic Plaza
- The parade is free for public viewing along the street route.
- Tickets for the festival village inside Tinker Field Historic Plaza start at $40 at www.orlandocarnivaldowntown.com
About the Producer
The Caribbean American Passport Multicultural Initiative is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cultural diversity and equity in the arts within the Caribbean diaspora in Florida.
The mission of the CAP Multicultural Initiative is to provide a platform for the Caribbean Diaspora to showcase the creative economy, also known as the orange economy, which includes all sectors whose goods and services are based on the creation of intellectual property, such as design and visual arts, tourism and cultural heritage, new media and software, performing arts, music, and literary arts and publications.
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Author: Thali Sugisawa
