By: Staff Writer
August 27, 2021
This year’s 2021 Miami Carnival will be headlined by Bunji Garlin and FayAnn Lyons this coming October as they brave the COVID-19 to have some fun and entertainment for the culture.
The 2021 Miami Carnival will be held this October 8-11 at the Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition.
The Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee (MBOCM), in a release sent to Caribbean Magazine Plus, said: “The energy, the people, and the vibe of Miami Carnival have helped shape the cultural landscape of South Florida for the past 37 years. This year’s celebration will encompass that same energy with a slightly different look and feel to the annual festival.
“The MBOCM has worked diligently with Miami-Dade County officials and medical doctors for the past six months. They have also kept a watchful eye on the CDC’s Covid-19 guidelines and protocols. The safety and health of the Miami Carnival’s masquerade bands, steel bands, vendors, volunteers, performers, sponsors, and patrons are at the forefront of this year’s planning and production of the 37th annual Miami Carnival Celebration.”
Despite the caution that the pandemic has placed on all mass gatherings and the Miami Carnival is no exception, major Caribbean artists will be coming out to perform for the Carnival goers.
“Once again, we look forward to the annual Miami Carnival, which is the premier Caribbean cultural event in the US, back to Greater Miami. The COVID-19 protocols planned by the host committee for the Miami Carnival are key in keeping the attendees safe as possible. In addition, in-person festivals, events, and conventions are still happening in Greater Miami and Miami Beach, and we welcome their presence while meeting and visiting responsibly,” said Connie Kinnard, Vice President of Multicultural Tourism & Development with the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
This year the concert event will be headlined by Bunji Garlin plus Fayann Lyons and the Viking Band
Other artists include, Ravi B & Karma-3x Chutney Soca Monarch, Dil E Nadan, The A Team Band, Iwer George, Motto, Nadia Baston, Teddyson John & Band, Patrice Roberts, Julien Believe, Asa Banton, Wendy & DJ Judgement, Destra Garcia, Skinny Banton, Jeran Pacasio.
The Miami Carnival Steelbands will also be there, namely, Sticks N Tones, New Generation Branches Steel Orchestra, Resurrection Steele Orchestra, Melo Grove Steel Orchestra, Lauderhill Steel Ensemble and the Metro Steel Orchestra.
There is a list 17 Carnival bands already signed up for the 2021: “One Island Band, Freaks Mas, Ramajay International, Dingolay Mas, Revel Nation, GenX, Euphoria Production, K-Paya, Savage Mas, Mascots International, DJunction Mas, Party Room Squad / Fusion Mas, Break Awae Kru, Wassi One / Natural Disasters, Collective Mas and Ti-Chapo Mas.”
“The MBOCM also said: “All of the signature Miami Carnival events will occur at The Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition, Inc. (10901 SW 24th St, Miami, 33165, FL) from October 8-10. All attendees and participants will be required to wear a mask at all times and present a negative PCR Test that needs to be done no earlier than October 6th before entering all of the official Miami Carnivalevents produced by the Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee, which will begin on October 8. There will also be a temperature check at each entrance point, and attendees who do not have hand sanitizer will be provided with a small bottle.
“The Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau is the Host Sponsor. Miami Carnival is possible With the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor, and the Board of County Commissioners.”
Joan Hinkson-Justin, chair, Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee, said: “We continue to prepare for the safest possible Carnival under the ever-changing conditions for a safe and enjoyable 2021.”
Due to some Covid restrictions and Covid vaccinations and testing at the Central Broward Regional Park, the Miami Broward Carnival One Host Committee is moving their Panorama and J’ouvert events to Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds.
This year one of the requirements for the masquerade bands was that each reveler would be provided with a mask to wear with their costume.
“Our Carnival and J’ouvert Bands are anxiously waiting for both J’ouvert and Mas to display their secrets in store for their masqueraders finally. This year will be a Blockbuster Movie,” states Nigel Alfred, President of the South Florida Carnival Band Leaders Association.
The statement also said: “Miami Carnival’s public awareness campaign regarding their health and safety Covid protocols includes billboards, radio ads, and an expanded social media footprint to ensure that those coming to Miami know where they can get tested and vaccinated while still enjoying all cultural gems that Miami has to offer safely.
The Miami Jr. Carnival will be postponed however until 2022 to ensure that all children under 12 have a chance to be vaccinated.
On Friday, October 8 there will be
Panorama
5pm-11pm
Cost: $30
On Saturday, October 9
J’ouvert
7am-3pm
Cost:$35
On Sunday, October 10
Miami Carnival Parade of Bands +Concert
11am-11pm
Parade begins at 12noon
Concert starts at 1 pm
Cost: $40
Cost after 5 pm-$45
VIP Experience
$150
Miami Carnival’s Free Park & Ride Buses will run from the following locations for the entire weekend to the official events at Miami -Dade County Fairgrounds.
If you plan to take the park and ride bus, you will be required to wear a mask at all times and present a negative PCR Test that needs to be done no earlier than Wednesday, October 6th. This will be required before boarding the bus.
Lauderdale Performing Arts Center-3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, Fl 33311
Golden Glades Interchange-1600 State Rd 9, Miami, Fl 33169
Tropical Park-7900 SW 40th Street, Miami, Fl 33155
Friday-October 8th-4pm-midnight
Saturday-October 9th-5am-4 pm
Sunday-October 10-9 am-midnight