Miami Carnival Celebrates 40th Anniversary with Spectacular Parade of Bands

The 40th anniversary of the Miami Carnival was celebrated this past Sunday with a spectacular Parade of Bands featuring 17 masquerade groups, marking a significant milestone in the region’s cultural calendar. This vibrant event has become a cornerstone of South Florida’s identity and reinforces the Carnival’s role as a unifying force for the area’s cultural diversity and creativity.

Attendees were treated to a dazzling display of colors, intricate costumes, and the lively sounds of Soca music, making Miami Carnival a thoughtfully curated celebration of Caribbean heritage. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Events in South Florida, the Carnival offered a dynamic blend of pageantry, music, food, arts and crafts, and cultural experiences, drawing thousands eager to embrace the joyous spirit of Caribbean culture and its artistic expression.

The successful 40th-anniversary celebration was made possible through the generous support of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the host sponsor, along with backing from the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor, and the Board of County Commissioners.

2024 Miami Carnival Winners

Band of the Year

1. 1st Place: Gen-X Carnival – Portrayal: Miami Carnival-Ravenous
2. 2nd Place: Ramajay Mas International – Portrayal: Free Spirit
3. 3rd Place: Big and Strong/One Island – Portrayal: A Night at the Louvre
4. 4th Place: Pleasure Mas – Portrayal: Romancing the Stone

Queen of Carnival

1. 1st Place: Reisha Maynard – Portrayal: The Phoenix Warrior (Ramajay Mas International)
2. 2nd Place: Charlene Samuels – Portrayal: Aurora: Goddess of Dawn (Freaks Mas)
3. 3rd Place: Jessy Schuester – Portrayal: Arachnes (Revel Nation Carnival)

King of Carnival

1. 1st Place: Percival Maynard – Portrayal: Roar: Spirit of the King (Ramajay Mas International)
2. 2nd Place: Glen Turnbull – Portrayal: Mr. Majesty (The Forest) (Dingolay Mas)
3. 3rd Place: Cletus Evans – Portrayal: Chronos Father Time (Freaks Mas)

Female Individual of the Year

1. 1st Place: Janeille Campbell – Portrayal: Aello (Revel Nation Carnival)
2. 2nd Place: Amber-Lynn Lewis – Portrayal: Pixiu (Revel Nation Carnival)
3. 3rd Place: Kaiomi Inniss – Portrayal: SUNDJATA (Party Room Squad)

Male Individual of the Year

1. 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)

1. 1st Place: Problem Child – Carnival Jumbie
2. 2nd Place: Bunji Garlin – Carnival Contract
3. 3rd Place: Mical Teja – DNA

Conclusion

Miami Carnival’s 40th anniversary was not just a celebration of the past but a vibrant reaffirmation of the Caribbean culture that continues to thrive in South Florida.

FAQs

* Is the Miami Carnival a annual event?
Yes, the Miami Carnival is held annually in South Florida.
* What is the significance of the Miami Carnival?
The Miami Carnival is a major cultural event that celebrates Caribbean culture, heritage, and creativity.
* How many masquerade groups participated in the 40th-anniversary celebration?
17 masquerade groups participated in the 40th-anniversary celebration.

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