VOX POP WITH NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 2020 TAKEN OFF THE ROAD, WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND? AND WHAT WILL YOU MISS THE MOST?
Jahan Masquerader North London
Natasha Olibert Masquerader @Likefinewine36
Farrah Grant Miss Caribbean UK Finalist
As a masquerader, my spirit is restless and meh foot hot. Ah have real tabanca. The spirit of carnival is missing this year, and my heart aches. The freedom of owning the road, dancing in the streets to the sweet sounds of soca on the music trucks, drinking rum and winin’ wit meh family, friends and dem whole day, unity and community spirit... people of all nationalities coming together to enjoy the Caribbean island experience of fabulous costumes, steelbands, reggae and house sound systems, food and drinks. I know there will be many private parties taking place this Bank Holiday weekend, and I will definitely be looking to party somewhere. As the song goes, “Once ah Trini reach in de fete is niceness”.
I don't have any solid plans for the August Bank Holiday weekend yet, although I know of a few activities happening then. It's difficult to make a decision right now, but whatever I decide to do will most definitely be some sort of tribute to a carnival lost. I will miss the sweet sounds of soca and the absolute freedom of dutty mas on Sunday. As much as I love having my makeup done and getting dressed up in feathers and gems on Monday, dutty mas is the day that I can be unapologetically myself, surrounded by like-minded people, in full celebration of our culture. No discrimination; all in!
The cancellation of Notting Hill Carnival was a sad one for me, as it's a time where I get to fully embrace my Caribbean culture and be surrounded by people who are not only embracing their culture but people who enjoy the Caribbean culture, music, dance and pretty costumes. Notting Hill Carnival is a time where everyone is in unison, it’s like all the problems in the world are gone for that weekend as we fete and party, and it’s honestly a lovely aura/ energy to be around. I think that will be what I miss the most about Notting Hill Carnival this year. Whilst the big carnival isn’t happening, I will definitely be having my own carnival in my garden with my family over the Bank Holiday weekend; Carnival must go on!
30 SN AUG 2020
