Whilst traditional events and celebrations are often formal and serious in England, its growing populations of diverse Asian and African communities have contributed largely to the vibrancy and splendor of some of the biggest festivals held in England each year.
The Notting Hill Carnival is an absolute kick to ones senses. Loud, fun and vivid, it is one of the largest festivals of its kind to be held in Europe. The Notting Hill Carnival, despite its English names, is more a Caribbean carnival put together by the West Indian community of England. The Carnival originally began in 1959 as a result of unsatisfactory race relations and the race riots that had taken place the preceding year. It was held successfully in St Prancas Town Hall and was planned by a woman of Trinidad origin, Claudia Jones. The mission of the Carnival was to promote cultural harmony whilst celebrating Afro-Caribbean culture, and by 1976 saw over 150,000 people attending to be a part of this outrageously fun Caribbean soiree. It draws its inspiration from the 19th century carnivals held in Trinidad to celebrate the abolition of slavery. The festival, as it is celebrated today, was encouraged by the London Free School, and was first held outdoors in 1966.
The carnival traditionally begins its procession each year at Emslie Hornimans Pleasance in Ladbroke Grove, and is held each bank holiday weekend of August. Considered Europes biggest street festival, the Notting Hill Carnival features Afro-Caribbean persons dressed in colourful, lavish and creative costumes dancing to the music of steel drum bands. The carnival also boasts of having over 40 static sound systems, a large array of Caribbean food stalls and over one million attendees. Apart from fun-filled music and dancing and great food, the carnival also features a steel band competition, a Kids Day and costume competitions. Whilst traditional steel band music is played right throughout, other types of music such as calypso, soca, samba, reggae, house, dubstep and R&B are also widely played. Guest performances have included world-renowned names such as Jamiroquai and Wyclef Jean.
Any tourist to England should definitely be a part of this carnival and the fun and solidarity amongst all cultures it promotes.
Luxury London hotel accommodation around the area of the carnival can be found with ease. A
luxury London hotel will ensure guests a wonderful stay during the carnival. The Langham London is an excellent choice for those who wish to come back to ultimate comfort after wearing their toes away from dancing to the rhythm of a steel drum band.
