Do you need a reason to visit Miami in October? How about Alison Hinds, Kes the Band and Desperadoes Steel Orchestra?

All three and more are on the bill at Miami-Broward Carnival in Florida. The city’s showcase for everything Caribbean will this year be celebrating the golden jubilee of Barbados’ independence. Barbados Tourism Marketing is partnering carnival organiser MBOCHC and sponsoring and managing the main stage.

Starting things off, on Saturday 1 October, 350 mini-masqueraders will parade in the Junior Carnival. The following Friday the engagingly named Fantastic Friday Duck Work Lunch Time Bacchanal and Food Truck Invasion offers a feast of food and music in the early afternoon, getting you in the mood for the costume gala and, finally, Miami’s own Panorama. The competition will be fierce as seven local bands try to snatch the crown from current holders Pantastik Steel Orchestra. And to round off a busy day, Desperadoes SO will show how they became Trinidad & Tobago’s Panorama champions this year.

Most of Saturday is devoted to J’Ouvert, which carries on until 3pm, wisely leaving the way clear of paint and powder for the main Carnival day. On Sunday, 15,000 masqueraders from at least 17 mas bands will take over Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds. Themes include ‘Evolution – Celebrating 50 Years of Independence’ from Bajan Fuh Ever, ‘House of Wassi’ from Wassi Ones, and Generation X’s eagerly awaited ‘Erotica’.

Soca fans will flock to the main stage where Alison Hinds and Kes the Band will be joined by Edwin Yearwood, Lead Pipe and Saddis, the Original Burning Flames and many more.

What’s on where at Miami-Broward Carnival

Sat 1 Oct 11am 9pm: Junior Carnival ($10)

Fri 7 Oct 12pm 4pm: Lunch Time Bacchanal ($15*)
                       
                       4pm - 7pm: Kings and Queens Costume Competition
                       
                       7pm - 11pm: Panorama

Sat 8 Oct 7am 3pm: J’Ouvert ($25 in advance)

Sun 9 Oct 12pm 4pm: Carnival parade ($30*)
                4pm - 11pm: Concert

* Allows entry to all events on the day

Most events are free for under-10s if accompanied by a paying adult.

Sunday’s parade and show are in Miami-Dade County Fairground (shuttle bus from the city centre); all other events are in Central Broward Regional Park.

More details: https://www.ticketgateway.com/c/miami-carnival

Source : Socanews