A kaleidoscope of Caribbean cultures under one umbrella will celebrate one of Miami’s premier cultural festivals that captures the spirit, passion, and essence of the Caribbean-American community. This rich tradition, in its 33rd year, will take place on Sunday, October 8, 2017 from 11am-11pm at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds(10901 SW 24 St, Miami, FL 33165). The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau is the host sponsor and JetBlue is the official airline carrier. The day also includes the diverse and unique flavors of Caribbean food, drinks, and crafts. Patrons are encouraged to use one of the three free park and ride locations that have been set up at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, Tropical Park and Golden Glades Interchange. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.miamibrowardcarnival.com.
Although many people were impacted by Hurricane Irma, Greater Miami is open for business, with the majority of our hotels and restaurants open and fully operational. Miami International Airport and PortMiami are fully operational and welcoming passengers.
“Now more than ever Greater Miami is proud to showcase the rich cultural traditions of our Caribbean neighbors, friends, and families during Miami Carnival. We encourage visitors and locals to discover and enjoy the events and pageantry of this year’s festival as it pays tribute to the history and culture of the Caribbean and its extraordinarily resilient spirited people”, states William S. Talbert III-CEO/President of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“In addition, this year’s Miami Carnival will take place in a context of sadness and sorrow but will remain a celebration of and a tribute to all our sisters and brothers in the Caribbean who have suffered tremendously in the wake of Hurricanes Irma, Jose, and Maria”, states Joan Justin, Chair of the Miami Broward Carnival One Host Committee.
“The United States of America, Florida and the Caribbean became one family through the common experience of the impact of the hurricanes this historic season. As a result, we will need each other during this challenging period of recovery and rebuilding. We encourage all Carnival patrons and community organizations to support the US Caribbean Strong Relief Fund held at The Miami Foundation at give.miamifoundation.org/caribbean and more information at sflcaribbeanstrong.org,” stated Marlon Hill, Miami attorney and past Trustee of The Miami Foundation.
There are over 15 masquerade bands that will be judged on visual impact, creativity, authenticity, craftsmanship, relation to the theme, portability and presentation for prizes, and the coveted Miami Carnival Band of the Year Title. One Island Mas Band, 2016 Band of the Year is preparing to keep their coveted title. Some of the top soca artists in the music industry are set to ignite the concert stage that day include: MX Prime and Ultimate Rejects, Karma, Ravi B & Neisha B, Shurwayne Winchester, Terri Lyons, Lead Pipe & Saddis, Edwin Yearwood, Yankey Boy, Marz Ville, Julien Believe, Scrappy, Asten Isaac, Rudy Live, Burning Flames, Tian Winters, Menace, Rupee, TNT Prison Band. The DJ lineup includes; Redman, DJ Spice, DJ Storm, DJ Spice Mature Vibe, Chosen Plus, MC Wassy.
Miami Carnival will be donating $5,000 to the Miami Foundation’s US Caribbean Strong Relief Fund, and will be encouraging all attendees to donate $1 towards the fund. Carnival revelers and attendees infuse well over $12 million dollars of direct purchasing power into the local economy through expenditures in our hotels, restaurants, transportation, and shopping establishments and create thousands of seasonal jobs in the numerous ancillary events associated with the weeklong celebration. Tourists and visitors from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and the entire Caribbean make Carnival an annual visit to Miami. Not only does Miami Carnival promote Caribbean culture it promotes Caribbean business. The economy benefits from the richness and diversity of our cultural traditions.
Sponsors for the Miami Carnival include: Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jet Blue, Cox Media Group, South Florida Caribbean News, Hamilton, Miller & Birthisel LLP,Mount Gay Barbados Rum,The Miami Dade County Fair and Exposition, Inc.,Barbados, Broward Yellow Cab, Cox Media Group Miami, Caribbean Connection Radio Show W..,CMNUSA, Riddims Marketing, Inc., Eventsrus.com,Caribbean American Passport, Zip 103 FM, Trini JungleJuice.com,8WSVI-TV,Team Soca, CaribbanFinder.com,Caribbean National Weekly,99 Jamz, Hot 105 and “With the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners.”
