October may bring the fun and excitement of dressing up for Halloween, but in Miami, there’s another kind of dress-up celebration — Miami Broward One Carnival, where 18,000 masqueraders cavort in radiant Caribbean costumes.
One of South Florida’s premier cultural festivals and the largest Caribbean carnival in North America, Miami Broward One Carnival features two main events on Oct. 13 that make for a non-stop party of island pageantry, culture and art — the parade of bands, noon-11pm, and concert, 3-11pm, both at Miami-Dade County Fair and Expo.
The parade features over 20 bands that portray different themes displayed in a kaleidoscope of colors, beads and feathers. This year, it includes the Kings, Queens and Individuals competitions, which showcase the biggest and most elaborate costumes as the masqueraders compete for a trophy, cash prizes — and bragging rights! Some King and Queen costumes are over 15-feet wide and 20-feet tall.
The pulsating music that accompanies the parade is echoed at the concert, as world-class Hispanic and Haitian artists perform island music. Fun for all ages, the carnival also offers crafts, refreshments and savory specialties from the islands. All events feature free admission for children under 12.
Leading up to the big day are three festivities in Broward County: Jr. Carnival, Oct. 5, noon-10pm; Panorama, Oct. 11, 4-11pm; and J’ouvert, Oct. 12, 7am-3pm, all at Central Broward Regional Park, 3700 NW 11 Place, Lauderhill.
Miami-Dade Fairgrounds is at 10901 SW 24 St., Miami. For more information, please visit http://www.miamicarnival.org