This year D.C. Carnival takes place on June 28th, with a number of pre carnival fetes that are a staple of the Carnival taking place a few days before the main parade. There promises to be a strong representation of bloggers at D.C. Carnival 2008, the count thus far is a tentative 12 persons, and even I am thinking of making the trip to check out what an international Carnival is like. Albeit, I have been to other Caribbean Carnivals (St Lucia and Crop Over) I am yet to experience a Carnival in the U.S. and I have been told that D.C. is a nice mix of fetes and road experience; "they" told me that for Miami Carnival the road is boring but the fetes are great and N.Y. the vibe is not nice at all. D.C., "they said" is nice and mellow and the pre-fetes are great! Mud, I was told is where it is all at for the parade as the costume bands do not offer much in the way of costumes. I was told the fetes to be at are TRIBE's Ignite on June 26th, Taboo on June 27th and Machel on June 28th.
The lead up to D.C. Carnival kicks off next month as both Basement Knok'ers presenting "Mas for all Seasons" and We Fete Inc. presenting "Global Warming" will hold their band launch on April 19th.
I.C.E. Carnival has already premiered costumes from their 2008 Carnival presentation "When East Meets West"; you will remember they had sketches of their costumes out for viewing and which I wrote about here.
And these are the actual costumes:
Panisha Mas is another D.C. mas band that seems to have launched over the Easter weekend, their 2008 presentation is "A Brazilian Dream" and costumes photos will be up on the website soon, as per their notice. For mud mas the choices are between Rascalz and Garage Boyz, though both are yet to update their websites.
As for fetes, apart from Ignite and Taboo, there is the Carib United Fete which takes place on June 21st, Bunji &Faye Ann on June 27th and the Breakfast Party on June 29th.
As for fetes, apart from Ignite and Taboo, there is the Carib United Fete which takes place on June 21st, Bunji &Faye Ann on June 27th and the Breakfast Party on June 29th.
So as I weigh the pros and cons of D.C. Carnival (it is being weighed against Crop Over and Miami at this point) ,I would love to hear from all of you who have been or are planning to go to D.C. Carnival and what YOU think/thought about the whole experience. Feel free to compare to other Carnivals that you have been to and do as well as give advice as to if you think it is worth the trip. I have a plane ticket on hold and need to make a decision as soon as possible!
27 comments:
Personally i rate D.C Carnival as one of the lamer carnivals- waaay more hype than substance. Sure there are big names and LOTS of promises but recent years have seen fetes fininshing at 3am on the nose, artistes just not showing up...bar bussing in all inclusives and cold,cold weather so you freezing yuh arse off! As a regular at Miami,NY,Crop Over and Trini Carnivals I give dc 2 stars outta 5- I go pass thru just because I live in the area- Though I encourage you to come see for yourself....Tha vibes on thursday was/ are non existant - even though there are parties scheduled, both Taboo on friday and Machel on Sat.ended B4 4am last year- POLICE shut it off!!!! Tired of the sad partying experience most people didnt even come to the few breakfast fetes planned for after Machel- those too turned out lame so yuh really didnt miss much- Cannot talk about the road experience cause unless its Crop Over or Trini i not into it.....the costumes eh too hot
Hi Saucy,
Don't waste your time in DC, go to Miami Carnival. The only band to enjoy in DC is the mud band if you find it in time.
I too was thinking of going up to DC Carnival, but last year I didn't hear good things about it; so i'm still undecided....
Miami Carnival USED to be good. Every year the bands seem to be shrinking dramatically and the costumes getting cheaper. Adding to the fact is the big FIASCO with Island Elite pulling out 1 week before with no explanation....chooops.
I would take the risk and go to DC, who knows....u might love it! I encourage you to go cuz you'll never know until u go yourself!
i agree with keitrini
Hey Saucy,
If it is between Miami and DC I say pick Miami (ummm, if it is also against Crop Over, I would pick Crop Over cause that is in the Caribbean, but I haven't had a personal experience there yet so I can't say much else! LOL).
I enjoy DC a lot, but that's because I used to live there so I can visit with lots of old friends. The fetes are soso. For the road, you must run with the mudband because that's the place to be. The vibes are soso because the vendors and food are separated from the main crowd in Banneker Park, and you have to pay $10 to get in there. Also, DC has this weird tension between the African Americans and Caribbean population- something that has always bothered me.
Miami road experience is also good (much better than DC to me- of course it isn't Trinidad- LOL!) and it evens itself out if you have a drink in your hand- LOL! But the Miami fetes make it all worthwhile. I only went to a couple of fetes, but I could definitely see what the hype was about in Miami.
Happy carnival choosing!
Saucy, go to Miami's Carnival. DC is too hit or miss.
Hmm...I had a blast for DC Carnival last year...but then again all-inclusiveness makes it all the better :)
I say try it..I had heard negative feedback about it as well from 2006, but I still went, and it was nice!
Ah fine yuh could add Toronto to the short list. At least they deserve an honorable mention. We don't do the all inclusive fetes, but all the big names are here and The parade of the bands is MUCH larger than DC or Miami.
Saucy, why you not reaching Notting Hill??!
Toronto is not on the short list because that would be a trip to thej Embassy to apply for a VISA and that is too much ringmarole!
As for London, well it is cold that time of the year (so I hear) and it is rough (so I hear).. my coldness tolerance is VERY VERY low :)
But I am liking the responses so far.. I have been to Crop Over several times, never been to Miami Carnival which seems to be a popular vote!
Saucy
I just booked hotel rooms for DC. The opinions of all above are true, the parties are ending earlier now, the road (I'm always too late so I can't tell you much there, but my friends that does it have a good time playing mud).
I've never been to Miami, but with all the compliants that I heard from die hards this year, I'm not really planning on it.
I go to DC with a crew and we make our party, as long as the music right and the drinks are going, we don't depend on the "vibes" too much we just have a good time.
I'm also a drive away so it's no biggie, I think you should keep in mind that all your cyber friends will be there, and to get to the fetes early just in case the cops want to come show de arse again.
You didn't mention Caribana as an option, I actually loved that a whole lot, the cops don't bother you and the all around vibes is nice. Since I'm going DC I saw come join us and see for yourself (make sure you get CHEAP tickets)
It's not cold because of the time of year, it's just UK weather is so unpredictable. Who knows, this year we could have hail (like 2006) or catch heat-stroke like I did a few years before that!
Afraid I can't argue with you on the rough point tho it doesn't bother me... tho isn't the US quite rough?? Lol is funny coz so many people in UK won't travel to caribbean because they think that is rough!
TP the ticket is not cheap at all :/ But then I don't have to worry about accommodation :D The chance to lime with everyone is a BIG plus of course so I am still undecided.
slk cold for you and cold for me is two different things! I was cold in Miami last November; I was on the beach in a sweater, wrapped in a towel, and that's Miami!!
As for the rough part "they" tell me is gang warfare !! lol But I know I know every where has crime including Trini :P
Saucy
When you looking to come? Look for tickets to JFK and Newark (EWR) too, you can always ride down.
I'll talk to you "off air" ; )
Hi Saucy,
Here are my two cents: I always seem to have a ball for DC Carnival! I guess it's because I live here in DC and I don't have to worry about paying for lodging/car etc. It's great to have a carnival where you live. I always enjoy the parties and the the road experience for 2007 was nice, but it definitely could have been longer. I guess what makes it fun for me is ME.... and also maybe the fact that I participate in most of the activities that lead up to the big weekend....the countdown fetes, the fundraisers etc.
Now that they've introduced the new element of the breakfast fetes I think DC Carnival will be even better....jus pace yuhself!
In comparison to Miami Carnival...well, Miami just has it's own vibes. I have a ballll for Miami Carnival and in the years I've attended I have not been disappointed. You have the beach factor, and also the freeness factor of "what happens in Miami stays in Miami" kinda ting. So I fine myself partyin in ah a more free way than I would in DC...(no skettelness) only jamishness lol. I also make Miami Carnival a mini vacation that includes SHOPPING. Also, the road experience for Miami Carnival is much better than DC...the time is longer,much less police restrictions and yuh really get to see different folks that representing their islands...plenty island flags in de air. Miami parties are fun because you have all the DJs from NY/DC/Boston/ATL merging together...and yuh have a variety of fetes (mostly outdoor) such as....Red Eye, Black and White.. DV8...and and boatrides, pool parties, beach parties and partying at Bongos.
So, if I were you and I had to choose.... for a first U.S. Carnival I would choose Miami...and save DC for maybe 2k9...
I will be heading to Caribana this year. Speaking of which I need to go organise my VISA at the High Commission!
Afro Chic? Caribana? Who you planning to play with?
I agree with Caisoqueen. I live in the Miami area and what she says is true. Miami Carnival has great parties and plenty to choose from. I think last year was the first year they actually got it together with the actual carnival scene. Miami had a big turnout, and Broward (which is where I went) had a big crowd as well. I do wish they would have one instead of two but I base my decision on which artists showing up where, LOL. I've been to Caribana twice and haven't been disappointed yet. I'm going this year. I haven't been to DC Carnival in a few years, but I've had an "okay" time when I did go. Parties locking down at 2 and 3am don't make it especially when you're used to partying till the sun comes up. The road scene could use some work as well. I lived in NY most of my life and don't miss the Parkway. I've been going there since small small, and it's changed DRAMATICALLY over the years. It's free, but it's not what it used to be. Boston and Philly, and ATL need to step up as well. Cropover is nice, but NOTHING compares to TnT.
Aye Afro Chic and trInIgyal, yuh know we have to buss a lime right?
Tr|n|gYa| I have no idea who I playing with cause I wasn't planning to play mas, just visit with my family. But then I started thinking why not kill two birds with one stone? :)
I know gtwarrior brought a band last year and Karabana plays with Toronto Revelles, other than that I now looking at my options.
And of course we will lime Karabana!!
That was actually Hubby (Trini-in-Toronto) logged in & then posting under me at 5:27 PM... but I agree w his comment, & since it was brought up, we need a Caribana 2k8 ALL BLOGGERS lime! :-D (We play w Saldenah Afro Chic. Who's Gtwarrior's band???) I highly suggest out of country"ers" to start planning now, as in, book your room, don't wait 'till June.
I will have to agree with Kara on all fronts...we RHEL hadda buss a lime in August.
Afro, I playing with Carnival Nationz or TorontoRevellers. I need to attend the launchings to see what they have to offer though..last year I was quite pleased with my costume, and this year I hope to do the same.
You definitely need to play mas!
I've never been to DC but planning on going this year. Caribana is nice, but NY is better. GTWarrior's band is for NY's Labor Day not Caribana.
I've played Caribana - nice, well put together but quite mild but may play again this year lol
Okay my bad on the gtwarrior band. LOL.
So I'll keep an eye out for Carnival Nationz, Toronto Revellers or Saldenah. Cool. I'll keep checking Karabana's blog for details and band launches and updates :)
For those who have not yet experienced Miami Carnival, PLEASE give it a chance. I am not going to compare to any other, like TNT, because we all know TNT is in a class by itself.
For a few weeks leading up to Carnival, the DJ's are playing the sweetest SOCA, getting ALL hyped for the Carnival.
COSTUMES:
Now ok, the costumes are nothing to rant and rave about, but if you are creative you can jazz it up.
FETES:
The fetes are good and non-stop and for the person who complained about no one showing up at the breakfast fetes, well you wont have that problem in Miami. Everyone shows up. One particular fete that stood out for me was @ SCRUPLES. After enjoying the performances. The DJ started doing his thing. We partied all night, it then started to rain so he tried his best to encourage everyone to leave. Now mind you, it's pouring rain,and the crowd starts to sing IN UNISON "And we nah goin home til deh morning come, and we nah going home till we see deh sun"! It was like magic.The DJ was amazed that the energy was that crazy. I walked out of that fete with my arms wrapped around my friends shoulder chipping to the crowd singing "people inside de fete, dancing drippin with sweat, nobody tired yet nobody tired yet...pure love no hating....and we nah going home.....
ONE DE ROAD:
The road experience was good, organized..in my opinion. My crew which consisted of about 10-15 people, we arrived at the meeting point, got drinks and anxiously waited for the truck to pull off. When it did, the party started. We jumped all day, drinks stayed flowing, music was right, food was good and did not run out. No complaints. And to top it off.. I saw so many people representing the VI (St.Croix to be exact). We were waving our VI flags in the air and hugging each other like we knew each other for years. It was a great experience for me. I know everyone expects certain things for carnival, but for me it was a great time. I live in Miami, so I will definitely be chipping down the road again in '08. Plus WE ACTUALLY CROSSED A STAGE!! If you are with the right people your road experience will be great no matter what carnival you attend.
SORRY FOR THE SHORT STORY
I've never been to DC Carnival because I'm too hung over from the night before to even leave my bed. The fetes are GREAT!!!! Taboo is the BEST fete. No performances but the drinks and food make up for whatever you think it may lack. This fete doesn't end till the sun rises and I am counting down the days to Taboo.
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