After a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Notting Hill Carnival is back in London. For three days, parades and street parties are organized in the mythical district of the British capital to celebrate Caribbean cultures.
With our correspondent in London, Emeline Wine
Dressed in the colors of Jamaica, Sky suffered from the absence of carnival for two years. ” It’s really exciting to see it pick up again, to see our community come together again, she rejoices. Every year, we can’t wait to be at the carnival, it’s a little piece of our home. I’m Jamaican and carnival brings a bit of Jamaica here. »
Jamaican, Barbadian, Trinidadian flags flutter everywhere, along with the smells of fried chicken and bean rice. Guyanese-born James hasn’t taken advantage of virtual editions during the pandemic. ” I need to be there physically. The good vibes, all that… We come to have fun, it’s the biggest street party in Europe! This year it’s not that crowded but usually it is, he points out. I really missed it. »
Goblet of punch or whistle in hand, carnival-goers of all origins stroll through Notting Hill. A first for Katie and Michelle. ” I didn’t expect there to be so much to see and do. It’s incredible, they enthuse. And while it’s a celebration of Caribbean culture, the festival welcomes everyone, regardless of background. »
“ Yes, even if we are not Caribbean, we feel welcome. »
Around 2 million people attend the celebrations each year.