If you were to trace the Notting Hill Carnival to its routes then you would follow them all the way back to Trinidad in 1833. Those of you reading this who are up on your general knowledge will recognise this as the year in which slavery was finally brought to an end. One can only assume this warranted the party to end all parties and the festival is now celebrated in London with the Notting Hill Carnival.

It was in the 1950s that immigrants moved to London and they must have packed their culture and music to bring it with them. The first Notting Hill Carnival took place in 1964 and the idea was to bring all factions of society together to celebrate as one. The Notting Hill Carnival is one of the most celebrated events in Europe and attracts visitors from all over the world in their thousands.

Notting Hill Carnival Events

There are five main events in the Notting Hill Carnival starting with the Mas bands. Mas is short for Masquerade and these are the bands that spice up the Notting Hill Carnival with their colour and diversity as they parade their way along the carnival route.

Steel bands, also known as pan bands are a vital component also. This is a very traditional part of the Notting Hill carnival and can often resemble the sound of a symphony orchestra when played together.

Calypso music also plays a part in the Carnival and is the oldest musical genre coming from the Caribbean. It uses wit and good humour with a sprinkling of rhythm to satirise and entertain. On a more modern note, there are many static DJs along the parade route to provide modern music in order to keep everybody dancing throughout the carnival.

Notting Hill Carnival Trip Planner

Are you traveling to attend Notting Hill? Visit the links below to view listings of local hotels near:

• Notting Hill
• Notting Hill High Gate Station

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