Notting Hill , located in the west of London, may seem like a very far from the impressive Caribbean, but during the last weekend of August its streets explode with the noise and supercharged color of the purest carnival , with crowds of people who can reach one million people. Notting Hill Carnival has grown since 1964 . It began as an almost unimportant celebration until it became the largest carnival in Europe.
Throughout its 5 km (3 miles) route, the participants dress in their most ostentatious clothes so as not to stop dancing to the rhythm of the bands that move to the best reggae rhythm although they do not forget the mixes with the best jazz, soul, hip-hop, funk music, etc. The carnival is organized with four different modalities: masked and costume dance, steel bands, calypso and soca (Sounds of the Caribbean and Africa, a peculiar fusion of musical styles).
In recent years, the carnival has developed further to include rhythms from other countries such as those from Latin America and developing countries. Sunday is traditionally reserved as Children’s Day where the little ones take the reins of the carnival. The bands and artists that appear that day are all under 21 years of age and a lot of activities are prepared for the little ones to enjoy. You can get to the carnival in the following way:
– Train : Arrive at London Paddington Station then travel by coach or on foot.
– Metro : due to the large number of people who attend the carnival, the stations in the area are closed.
– On foot : you just have to follow the crowd.