The Afro-Caribbean carnivals are a paradigm of many African festivals whose purpose is to cleanse, renew, and revive the community by parading through villages in costumes and masks. It is a chance to be elaborate and extravagant whilst being enriched in as much colour as possible.

People from all walks of life and backgrounds take to the streets and parade with festive dance and music. It has origins in pre-Roman times when it was associated with paganism. But only took off in 16th Century Italy with the introduction of lavish masquerade balls. In Britain there are carnivals and festivals across the country, from Leicester, Luton, Leeds, Birmingham and the biggest carnival in Europe – the Notting Hill Carnival.

Leicester Caribbean Carnival
began in 1985 to keep the cultural traditions of the Caribbean alive but has in recent years become a multicultural event, portraying the diverse cultures across the whole of Leicester. It is held in Victoria Park on the first Saturday of August every year to coincide with the anniversary of emancipation from slavery. Each year the carnival has a different theme to follow.

Luton International Carnival
This began in 1976 as a modest affair but has evolved and emerged as a major multicultural event.

This is the largest carnival in Europe and has been taking place in London on the last weekend of August, every year since 1964. It has five main features; Mas (from Masquerade), Steelband, Calypso, Soca and Static Sound Systems to play on the road. Music is an integral part of the carnival and ranges from reggae, jazz, soca, hip-hop, funk, house and garage appealing largely to the youth.

The carnival has evolved to a major multicultural event and as well as reflecting its Afro-Caribbean heritage, it also reflects other communities through various food and art and craft stalls. It began as an expression of African freedom and was enriched with the energies of black immigrants from the Caribbean but has become a spectacular exhibition of colour, food, dance and music.

Food in the Afro-Caribbean culture has great significance. Whether it is religious offerings and sacrifices, historical harvest festivals or feasts during celebrations. East African dishes include spicy stews and thick curries and popular West African dishes are chicken yassa and jollof rice.