For many, the return of Europe’s biggest street party was an opportunity to celebrate African-Caribbean culture and reflect on the events of recent years. The two-day festival kicked off with a tribute to the 72 people who lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017. Members of the Emancipated Run Crew ran the parade route in honor of the fire victims, while festivities and music came together stop at 3 p.m. to observe 72 seconds of silence. The carnival first took place in 1966, but was forced online during the pandemic. But it’s back stronger than ever on Sunday, Family Day, with more than 2 million people expected to flock over the bank holiday weekend. Festivities began at sunrise for those participating in the J’Ouvert celebrations, where people douse each other in paint and powder to celebrate the start of the carnival. Later, attendees with painted faces lined up as hundreds of dancers and children in fabulous costumes took part in the parade. The sound of steel drums filled the streets as revelers lined up to buy chicken and Caribbean cocktails from a series of stalls. Carnival revelers Kareen Bankale (left), Naomi Sinclair (centre) and Yasmin Lewis (right). Photo: Ryan Prince/The Guardian With a golden glow framing her eyes, Naomi Sinclair, who was joined by friends Kareen Bankale and Yasmin Lewis, said it was “amazing” to have the community back together after Covid. “It’s happy times, it’s good times and it’s definitely needed,” said the 32-year-old. “I’m here to celebrate our Caribbean culture. Living in London we don’t often get back to see our families so every year we like to celebrate. It is musical, colorful and alive.” Sharon De-Riggs, 68, who has been coming to the carnival with her husband, Sheridan, 69, since the 1970s, welcomed its return. Left to right: Sheridon, Shaun and Sharon De-Riggs. Photo: Ryan Prince/The Guardian “My husband and I are part of the Windrush generation, so the carnival reminds us of home in the Caribbean,” she said. “We are from Grenada, as are our parents, and I came in 1967. “It’s great to bring the community together and people from all over the world. That’s what it’s all about, bringing everyone together. It involves all races as well, it’s not just about Caribbean people, it’s a global event. And it’s good for people’s mental health after being locked up for so long.” The couple, from Woodford Green in Essex, have been taking part in the festivities for more than 25 years. Their son Shaun, 43, said he has been involved since the age of 14 and was keen to experience the personal return of the carnival. “It means the worst of the pandemic is behind us,” he said. “It’s so important that it’s on the streets because it’s accessible to everyone regardless of their socioeconomic status. It’s amazing to be a part of because it’s steeped in Caribbean culture and it’s a global hit, you see people of all backgrounds.” Misha Joseph, 32, from west London, has been going to the carnival since she was a baby with her sisters Natalie, 38, and Paula, 34. “Carnival means everything to me. it’s the end of my year, my year starts in September,” he said. “We have left since we were small, as our grandmother used to take us, every year. We live locally, so it’s deeply ingrained in our culture.” Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our site and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. From left to right: sisters Misha, Natalie and Paula Joseph. Photo: Ryan Prince/The Guardian For some families, it was an opportunity to introduce their young children to the event. Josephine Ogun, 40, and her husband, Tayo Ogun, 40, brought along seven-year-old Leo and Gabrielle, four, to “experience the joys of carnival”. “It hasn’t been out for a few years so we thought we’d get a bit of atmosphere, see some of the costumes,” Josephine said. “It’s the color, the costumes, the food and the music for us. Josephine and Toyo Ogun with their children Leo and Gabriel. Photo: Ryan Prince/The Guardian “It was really sad that it didn’t go up because it’s a good day and it’s nice to celebrate it on the bank holiday weekend. We’ve certainly missed him, so it’s nice to be reunited now with all the cultures of the Caribbean.” Alice Gibb, 38, who is originally from Guadeloupe, attended with her husband James, 39, and their children Chloe, five, and Louise, two. “I grew up in the Caribbean, so we have a tradition at the carnival, so I’m enjoying it, and it’s the first time I’ve brought my kids,” she said. “It has met before of course, so it doesn’t appear to be the first time post-Covid. I have similar memories from before – it’s the same atmosphere, you still have the same street food.” From left: Alice, Chloe, James and Louise Gibb. Photo: Ryan Prince/The Guardian The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, described the carnival as “part of the very fabric of this city”, but added that the cost of living crisis had affected this year’s celebration. “We’re seeing those who want to have floats, those who want to have sound systems, getting pulled out because they can’t afford to pay their bills,” he said.
