Miami Carnival
Miami Carnival Remains Unparalleled. Caribbean Culture Shines.
The annual J’ouvert took place at Central Broward Park and featured all the trimmings associated with the perfect J’ouvert experience. Though kick started later than what’s traditional in the Caribbean, the 7am start to J’ouvert in Miami proved to be good for late- night fetters who needed that extra sleep before jumping out for the fun. From Grenadian Jab J’ouvert, to representation from islands like Haiti, USVI, Dominica, St. Lucia, T&T and Barbados, the energy of the entire caribbean came full circle, in one venue.
On Saturday, the absence of artistes who usually strolled along the parade route, enjoying the festivities, was noticeable. In previous years, the presence of soca artistes like Iwer George, Shurwayne Winchester, Motto and others could be felt. This year, a handful of entertainers were spotted, among them, Grenada’s Skinny Banton, USVI’s Pumpa and Trinidad Killa. J’ouvert ended at around 3pm and despite a downpour, patrons made their way to the nearby Joy’s Roti Shop where a lengthy wait to grab a bite awaited. Each year, large crowds gather at that location and despite the long wait, patrons never seem to mind, confident that Joy’s cuisine is always worth it.
Ebuzz News
Miami Broward Carnival Host Committee Elects New Officers.
The Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee is pleased to announce the election of its new officers for the 2024–2026 term. These dedicated leaders are committed to preserving and enhancing the vibrant traditions of Miami Carnival, further solidifying its status as one of South Florida’s most highly anticipated cultural events. The newly elected officers for the 2024–2026 term are:
Board members include: Carl DeCruise, Nicholas Jack, Anthony Joseph,Raymond Luke, Jeanette Haynes, Marlene Gregoire, Gilda Swasey, Larson Phipps, Ruthven Williams, Sydney Roberts, Dallas Michael.
About Miami Carnival
Miami Carnival is the ultimate cultural experience, blending the vibrant elements of Caribbean Carnival with the beauty of South Florida. Held annually over Columbus Day Weekend in October, the festival features four signature events: Junior Carnival, Panorama, J’ouvert, and the iconic Costumed Parade & Concert. Each year, Miami Carnival attracts thousands of visitors and participants from around the world, celebrating Caribbean culture through music, art, and community.
The Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to hosting a safe, family-friendly festival that fosters community pride, civic engagement, and cultural exchange. It provides a platform for Caribbean people in South Florida to share their culture, promote multiculturalism, and drive economic cooperation in the region.
This year, Miami Carnival proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary with a spectacular display of Caribbean culture, creative self-expression, and entrepreneurial spirit. Named one of the Top 100 Events in South Florida, Miami Carnival is a thoughtfully curated celebration featuring pageantry, music, food, arts and crafts, and cultural experiences. Miami Carnival brought the vibrancy of Caribbean culture to life, capturing the essence of community, unity, and joy.
The newly elected officers aim to strengthen the legacy of Miami Carnival, fostering cultural appreciation and community connection while continuing to drive significant economic impact for the region. With their guidance, Miami Carnival will remain a celebration of heritage and a symbol of the unity and vibrancy of the Caribbean diaspora.
“As Chair of the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee, I am deeply honored to lead a talented and dedicated team in continuing the rich legacy of Miami Carnival. This celebration is more than a festival—it is a dynamic showcase of Caribbean culture, community pride, and artistic excellence.Over the years, Miami Carnival has evolved into a globally recognized event highlighting our heritage’s vibrancy and the unifying power of music, art, and culture. Our 40th-anniversary celebration exemplified our community’s resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit. “Looking ahead, our new leadership team is focused on elevating this cherished tradition, ensuring it thrives as a symbol of cultural pride and an engine of economic growth for South Florida. I am excited to build on this legacy, foster cultural exchange, and uphold Miami Carnival as a dynamic platform that unites people while driving cultural and economic impact for our region.” — Joan Hinkson-Justin
About the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee:
The Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee is a non-profit organization dedicated to organizing safe, family-friendly festivals that highlight the beauty and diversity of Caribbean culture. Its mission includes fostering community pride, promoting cultural exchange, and building economic cooperation in South Florida’s multi-ethnic and multicultural environment.
Miami Carnival 2025 takes place from October 10th-12th, 2025. For more information about Miami Carnival, visit: MiamiCarnival.org.
Ebuzz News
Miami Carnival’s Big Winners Include Gen X Mas and Problem Child.
The 40th anniversary of Miami Carnival, a cultural extravaganza that has not only become a cornerstone of South Florida’s identity but also a significant milestone in the region’s cultural calendar, was celebrated on Sunday, October 13th with a spectacular Parade of Bands which featured 17 masquerade groups. The milestone event marked four decades of vibrant celebrations and reinforced the Carnival’s role as a unifying force for the region’s cultural diversity and creativity.
With a vibrant display of colors, intricate costumes, and the lively sounds of Soca music, Miami Carnival has once again cemented its place as a thoughtfully curated celebration of Caribbean heritage. The Carnival, named one of the Top 100 Events in South Florida, offered a dynamic blend of pageantry, music, food, arts and crafts, and cultural experiences, catering to a diverse audience. This diverse range of activities attracted thousands of attendees, all eager to embrace the joyous spirit of Caribbean culture and celebrate its diversity, tradition, and artistic expression.
The 40th-anniversary celebration of Miami Carnival was made possible by the generous support of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, which was the host sponsor, alongside the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor, and the Board of County Commissioners.
Attendees were treated to a day filled with elaborate costumes, cultural performances, and an all-star Mega Soca Concert, further highlighting the rich Caribbean traditions.
2024 Miami Carnival Winners
Band of the Year
1st Place: Gen-X Carnival – Portrayal: Miami Carnival-Ravenous
2nd Place: Ramajay Mas International – Portrayal: Free Spirit
3rd Place: Big and Strong/One Island – Portrayal: A Night at the Louvre
4th Place: Pleasure Mas – Portrayal: Romancing the Stone
Queen of Carnival
1st Place: Reisha Maynard – Portrayal: The Phoenix Warrior -(Ramajay Mas International)
2nd Place: Charlene Samuels – Portrayal: Aurora: Goddess of Dawn (Freaks Mas)
3rd Place: Jessy Schuester – Portrayal: Arachnes (Revel Nation Carnival)
King of Carnival
1st Place: Percival Maynard – Portrayal: Roar: Spirit of the King (Ramajay Mas International)
2nd Place: Glen Turnbull – Portrayal: Mr. Majesty (The Forest) (Dingolay Mas)
3rd Place: Cletus Evans – Portrayal: Chronos Father Time (Freaks Mas)
Female Individual of the Year
1st Place: Janeille Campbell – Portrayal: Aello (Revel Nation Carnival)
2nd Place: Amber-Lynn Lewis – Portrayal: Pixiu (Revel Nation Carnival)
3rd Place: Kaiomi Inniss – Portrayal: SUNDJATA (Party Room Squad)
Male Individual of the Year
1st Place: Neil Williams – Portrayal: Palais Royale (Savage Mas)
DJ Awards
Best Local DJ:
Wassi Ones-Eternal Vibes
Ramajay Mas International-GBM Productions
Euphoria Mas, Inc-DJ J Rocca
Best Out-of-Town DJ:
Gen-X Carnival-DJ Kevin Crown
Savage Mas-Shakton: LovaBoi
Big and Strong/One Island-DJ Elon Baker
Road March 2024(Calypso most played)
1st Place Problem Child – Carnival Jumbie
2nd Place Bunji Garlin – Carnival Contract
3rd Place- Mical Teja – DNA
GEN X CARNIVAL: All photos credited to Photographer Ricardo Reyes.
