Ebuzz News
Archived: Miami Carnival 2021 is On!
It’s one sign that normalcy is returning- no matter how slowly. There’s confirmation today that the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee (MBOCHC) and the South Florida Carnival Bandleaders Association will host the 37th annual Miami Carnival cultural festival on Columbus Day weekend in the US.
Miami Carnival is usually the last international carnival before Trinidad and Tobago’s annual festival and prior to Covid-19, thousands of islanders flocked to the festival hub for their dose of soca induced vibes and masquerade beauty. Last year, the festival went virtual, however there’s now word that the producers of the Miami Carnival have been given the green light to advance regular planning for the 2021 Miami Carnival celebrations. “With guest safety as the highest priority, the Miami Broward Carnival One Host Committee (MBOCHC) will promote and implement an event plan of reduced capacity in adherence with recommended CDC COVID guidelines. As local COVID-19 positivity rates continue to decline from the increased % of vaccinated persons, Miami Carnival may be permitted to increase attendance capacity and relax specific protocols,” a statement issued explained.
“We are excited to once again be able to showcase the Miami Carnival in person. We have missed being able to present our pageantry, music, and Caribbean Culture with everyone. Our committee has been diligently working with both Miami -Dade, and Broward Counties to ensure that we can plan our cultural event, with the health and safety of our stakeholders and patrons as a key part of that plan,” said Joan Hinkson-Justin, Chair of the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee. “The South Florida Carnival Band Leaders Association (SFCBLA) is pleased and thrilled to once again work with MBOCHC with planning a safe and well-desired carnival. We invite you all to the 2021 Miami Carnival Showcase (Band Launch) on June 5th, 2021, where you will be the first to see the pageantry to be displayed for 2021,” she continued.
Noting the cultural and economic significance of the showcase, GMCVB Vice President, Multicultural Tourism & Development, Connie W. Kinnard said, “We are excited to again partner with Miami Carnival as they plan to navigate bringing the cultural event back to an in-person platform. With the generations of persons of Caribbean descent who have made Miami their home and the tourists coming in from other regions, Miami Carnival is an important part of our cultural tourism economy.”
To keep up with official updates of 2021 Miami Carnival events and programming, visit: https://miamicarnival.org. Follow on Instagram and Twitter @MiaBroCarnival or https://www.facebook.com/MiamiBrowardOneCarnival/.To reach the South Florida Caribbean Bandleaders Association, visit www.sfcbla.org and follow them on Instagram @sfcbla or https://www.facebook.com/FLCBLA/ for more information.
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Caribbean Buzz
Destra Delivers Powerfully at Reflections.
“If this sharing that I’m doing touches anyone, I’m truly grateful. None of us are perfect. Some days you’ll feel good, some days you won’t, but it’s all part of the journey. Sometimes what you’re looking for is right on the horizon, and the moment you give up, you miss it. If my testimony makes anyone feel something, then my work here is done.” – DESTRA GARCIA
Trinidad and Tobago received a musical showcase of spiritual awakening yet again this past Saturday, at Destra’s ‘Reflections: Sound. Spirit. Surrender.” The event took place at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s and proved to be a truly inspiring and uplifting musical experience.
From the onset, the show set a standard that fans of good music with powerful lyrics, would rave about for weeks. David Rudder – a cultural icon of Calypso music out of Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed the audience as he hit the stage first delivering the very fitting, ‘High Mas.’ It was a powerful blessing no doubt – something that would lead into a seamless spiritual production. He was subsequently joined on stage by Destra, something that created a full-circle moment that drew immediate emotion from the audience.
Known for her unmistakeable vocal ability, Destra took her audience on a carefully curated musical journey, opening her set with Free Again before transitioning into slowed-down, soul-stirring renditions of some of her most beloved songs, including Love Somebody and Fly and with each performance, she revealed a different layer of her artistry, offering vulnerability, reflection, and strength.
One of the night’s most touching highlights came as Garcia shared the stage with her daughter, Xaiya, for a heartfelt duet of The Prayer. Beginning at the piano, Xaiya gently set the tone before joining her mother in song, creating an intimate moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
The production, which was creatively directed by Zara Bartels and Isoke Edwards, also showcased the incredible talent of father and son pan duo Martin and De’jean Cain as well as the Maria Regina Grade School and St. Joseph’s Convent Port- of- Spain choirs, whose vibrant and polished performances brought a refreshing, youthful energy to the stage. Gospel artiste, Nisa joined Garcia for a powerful duet of Bridge Over Troubled Water. She also performed her original composition Make Me Over, adding another layer of spiritual depth to the evening.
As the show built toward its finale, Garcia delivered a commanding rendition of Ella Andall’s Bring Down the Power, followed by classic hymns including A Little More Oil in My Lamp. This climactic segment was elevated by the presence of traditional belle dancers and African drummers, creating a rich, cultural fusion that brought the audience to its feet. Beyond the performances, the overall production, brought to life through Bridgette Wilson’s choreography and Atiba Borde’s costuming, stood out for its seamless execution, immersive ambience, and thoughtful storytelling, reinforcing Reflections as more than just a concert, but a transformative experience.
Reflections certainly delivered a powerful blend of music, filled with deep messages and meaning. In what is a very spiritual season, Destra, through the delivery of ‘Reflections,’ has carved out a space for inspiration and connection within Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape – something that many would agree, is a necessity more than an option.