subject: Discover The Notting Hill Carnival [print this page] The moment the August bank holiday is upon us, we realize it's time for carnival, the Notting Hill carnival to be exact. It is a carnival which has run for several decades, and occurs in the vibrant city of London.
The carnival spans over two days, a Sunday and a Monday, with the Sunday regarded as being the children's day, whilst the Monday is principally for adults. Over the last few years perhaps, it's been challenging to tell relating to the two, as there is normally such a large adult attendance on the Sunday carnival anyway, seeing as though the youngsters obviously need some kind of adult to take them there and look over them.
The carnival brings together the multicultural society that is London, with all walks of society attending. This is reflected with the many varying categories of food and music to choose from over both days. The younger crowd will enjoy music catered to them, whilst the seniors will also have music catered towards them. Carnival originally began as a way for those from the Caribbean islands to get together in London, and share the Caribbean atmosphere, the music that had been mainly steel pans during the time, the food, and the dress. Over time it's changed quite a bit, whilst you will still see floats that play the traditional steel pans, you'll also see floats playing other types of music, from rap, jazz, dance, house, dub step etc. The list goes on, and you won't just find floats playing music, but additionally sound systems spread across the carnival area, which may have either been setup by individuals in front of their premises, or by commercial companies.
There's a specific carnival route which the floats follow, and with the floats you'll also have those people who are on parade in their carnival outfits. You are able to divert from the route, walking anywhere in the area you choose, and will always find music, people having a lot of fun, and all kinds of food within reach.
Over a million people touch down to carnival over the two days, so if you're new to the carnival and want to visit, it's advised to get there early to avoid the massive crowds which soon develop.
If you are a tourist to London during carnival time, this really is an event of a lifetime and shouldn't be missed. Just make sure you wear comfortable footwear, however not your best, as they are going to get stepped on, and do not bring an excessive amount of luggage with you due to the big crowds. Just like anywhere, don't flaunt jewellery or other expensive items, as you will be in a big crowd, and you won't like to lose them. Overall, take advantage of the special time the two days have to offer.