The Miami Broward Junior Carnival will be held at Central Broward Regional Park on Saturday, October 5, 2024. This historic cultural event is presented by TD Bank and hosted by Visit Lauderdale, City of Lauderhill.
The Carnival aims to showcase Caribbean culture and provide an excellent opportunity for youth to participate and develop their artistry. This year’s Junior Carnival reaffirms steadfast commitment to youth and community initiatives, reflecting the community’s strength and unity.
The Junior Carnival Day features ten junior masquerade bands competing for prizes and bragging rights. In addition to these bands, Nikki Crosby (AKA Granny), an actress, comedienne, and radio host, will act as the event’s Emcee. The event will kick off with the Junior Steel Pan Competition and the Junior Calypso Competition, steeped in Caribbean culture in tasteful, appropriate ways.
These ten masquerade bands will also participate in a parade, each presenting their unique interpretation of Caribbean culture. The bands this year include Break-Awae Kru, China Mas Kids, D-Junction Mas Jr., Fun Generation Too, Karnival Kidz, La Familia, Major Players, Mas Dynasty/Party Room Squad, Natural Disasters, Royalty Kidz, Wassi Babes, and Zing-Zing Kidzz.
The event also promises a rich display of cultural diversity, with performances ranging from American marching bands to the rhythmic beats of African-Afro drumming and Tassa drumming, native to the Caribbean. The Carnival’s goal is to cultivate a diverse cultural tapestry to help build and fortify a sense of connection and appreciation for different cultures.
When you’re at the Carnival, the organizers want to make you feel like part of a global community, which is an invaluable lesson they hope to pass on to not just adults but children.
Tricia Baptiste, Junior Carnival Manager, emphasized the event’s importance: “Carnival is an integral part of Caribbean heritage. We are preserving this vibrant culture through Junior Carnival for future generations.”
This family-centered event encourages young participants under eighteen to showcase their talents, build meaningful connections, and express their appreciation for Caribbean heritage through music and movement. In these ways, the Junior Carnival seeks to foster a sense of connection and unity among the community.
“Junior Carnival is one of my greatest joys; Visit Lauderdale is proud to be a sponsor once again of all the Carnival events at Central Broward Regional Park in Lauderhill.”
Celebrating the Caribbean American Community in Broward County aligns with our mission to be a welcoming destination for “Everyone under the sun,” stated Neki Mohan, vice president of Multi-Cultural Business and Community Engagement.
“Our Junior Carnival helps preserve Caribbean culture and provides a platform for children to understand and appreciate artistry in a unique format while building a strong sense of community. We look forward to celebrating the future of the Miami Carnival with our young people, states Joan Hinkson Justin, Chair of Miami Broward One Carnival Host Committee.
The Miami Broward Junior Carnival is a focal point for Caribbean families and those interested in Caribbean culture. Mirroring the adult Miami Carnival, the Junior Carnival is a festival of vibrant music, culture, colors, and food from the Caribbean. The event invites attendees to delve deeper into the true meaning of Carnival and its importance within Caribbean culture.
Miami Junior Carnival is so much more than fun and festivities; it is a gateway to understanding Carnival’s rich history, music, and cultural significance. Whether the children themselves are of Caribbean descent or not, the Miami Junior Carnival can impart so much more than just a day of good times; it can impart lessons about equality, community, and global unity that children can take with them into adulthood.
The upcoming Carnival promises to blend these elements, creating an enriching and educational experience that will leave families and friends of all cultural backgrounds feeling enlightened and inspired, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Caribbean culture.
For more information, visit the Junior Carnival website: https://miamijuniorcarnival.org/.
