The countdown to Miami-Broward Carnival has begun. It’s that time of year when thousands of revelers descend on South Florida to dance, fete and enjoy the music, food and parade that is known as Miami Carnival.
The annual Caribbean Carnival season culminates with one of the largest cultural spectacles in North America right here in Miami-Dade county, on Sunday October 13th from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds.
Miami Carnival is a kaleidoscope of Caribbean colors and cultures. You know the drill: sexy costumes; steel drums; mas bands; soca artists; and regional food and crafts galore.
Sunday is the main day, but there are pretty cool events leading up to the festivities. Tickets for Sunday’s all day spectacle are $35 at www.miamibrowardcarnival.com, where prices for other signature, surrounding events in Broward vary.
Here are some highlights. Plan accordingly.
KING/QUEEN-KINGS, QUEENS AND INDIVIDUALS COMPETITION
This is a favorite of Carnival revelers. Over 30 people wearing colorfully dramatic costumes will compete for the coveted titles of King and Queen of the whole shebang. Participants will be judged on their pageantry, portrayal, colors and creativity.
4 p.m.-7 p.m. Friday, at Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill; advance tickets $15.
PANORAMA COMPETITION
Enjoy the sweet sounds of world-renowned steel bands as they compete for the crown of Panorama Champion 2019. One of the staple events within the cultural offerings at Miami Carnival, Panorama is super family friendly.
6 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday at Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill; advance tickets $15.
You don’t want to be parading around in heels.
J’OUVERT
What’s J’ouvert? In French it means “opening day.” In other words, it’s a massive street party created in Trinidad and now celebrated throughout many Caribbean cultures. Think mud, paint and booty shaking, with more than 25 mas bands participating.
7 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill; advance tickets $25.
MIAMI CARNIVAL PARADE OF BANDS AND CONCERT
The main event: A day-long celebration of music, culture, food and fashion with thousands of revelers dressed in costumes parading in “Bands” portraying various themes accompanied by DJs on trucks outfitted with sound systems blasting the most popular soca songs. They compete for various titles and prizes as they cross the judging stage prancing and wining to impress the judges.
The day culminates with a concert featuring live performances by the hottest soca artists and DJs from around the world.
11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7 at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds, 10901 SW 24th St., Miami; $35
