Thousands Celebrate Caribbean Culture at Notting Hill Carnival

• The carnival celebrations have been taking place in Notting Hill since 1966.
• The event attracts nearly 2 million participants each year.
• The festival has deep historical roots related to community unity.

London — In Notting Hill, at the event of London, thousands of people parade in vibrant costumes during the annual carnival that started in 1966. This festival is one of the largest celebrations of Caribbean culture in Europe.

The two-day event attracts nearly 2 million spectators, musicians, and dancers, and also deploys nearly 7,000 police and security personnel each day.

The roots of the carnival date back to 1959, when the first "Caribbean Carnival Festival" took place in the hall of St. Pancras after a series of attacks on the residents of Notting Hill. The creator of the first carnival, activist from Trinidad Claudia Jones, aimed to unite the community. The first street carnival parade took place in 1966, and since then it has transformed into the largest street party in Europe.

During the 1990s, the carnival scene featured artists such as Jay Z, Lil’ Kim, and Busta Rhymes, while in recent years — Stormzy, Giggs, Major Lazer, and Stefflon Don.

Tags: Europe/Culture