Miami Broward Carnival is a rich cultural heritage staple within the multicultural footprint of the South Florida landscape.  The Parade of Bands and Concert is one of many events being held during the Carnival season.  

This annual Caribbean Carnival season culminates with one of the largest cultural spectacles in North America, on Sunday, October 7th from 11am-11pm at the Miami-Dade County Fairground (10901 SW 24th St, Miami, FL 33165). Miami Carnival, celebrating 34 years, continues to be a feather in the cultural diversity cap of Miami and the South Florida region. The Miami Carnival Parade of Bands and Concert is presented by the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). The festival is also made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners. Tickets can be purchased at www.miamibrowardcarnival.com. Over 17 masquerade bands will compete for prizes, pageantry and bragging rights.

The Miami Carnival is Sunday, October 7.  The parade will be preceded by a Jr Carnival for children on Sept. 29th; a Panorama or steel pan competition on Oct. 5th and the official J’Ouvert celebration on Oct. 6th.

There will be live performances by Kes The Band, Patrice Roberts, Shurwayne Winchester, Teddyson John, Dil E Nadan, King Bubba, Peter Ram, Stiffy, Ricardo Drue, Trinidad &Tobago Prison Band, P Goodz, Prime Ethic, Soca Empress J, Scrappy, Rudy Live, Mr. Pearly, Julien Believe, Kiprich, Tara Lynne, Sweet Shells, Imma Haitian 257. This years host are MC Wassy, Papa Keith (103.5 The Beat) and DLife (WBLS/Sirius Radio/FRPTV and Streaming host).  And, expect a special appearance by Flo Rida.

What is Carnival?

Traditional Carnival as typically celebrated in Trinidad and Brazil, is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent, usually in February or March.  Here in South Florida, Miami Broward One Carnival (MBOC) celebrations begin the week before Columbus Day in October.  It kicks off with the MBOC Junior Carnival on the Sunday before Carnival Sunday, followed by the Kings, Queens and Individuals Show and Competition and the Steelband Panorama competition on Friday of Columbus Day weekend.  The official MBOC J’Ouvert is held on Saturday morning of Columbus Day weekend and the carnival celebrations peak with the parade and concert on Carnival Sunday.