The Caribbean Carnival is a Catholic feast that takes place from the end of December to the beginning of February. It is assumed to be an opportunity to celebrate one last time before to start the 40 days without any meat, until Carême (another catholic feast).

Even though the Caribbean celebration takes place in February, Paris stands out from the other cities: usually June and especially July are the French celebration months here. I think you already know how it’s like thanks to the famous carnival of Trinidad and Tobago and New-Orleans for example. It is the largest popular demonstration in the West-Indies and because Caribbean people who live in Europe do not often have enough money to go and see the real carnival, some Caribbean associations decided to create their own carnival in France(7 years ago).

It’s a colorful and rhythmical celebration which takes place on a day: 2 years ago it was from “La Place de la République” to “Nation” for 2 days, from 2:00PM to 6:30PM. Between 50000 and 70000 maskers congregate to dance on Caribbean music (gwoka, biguine, kadans, zouk, kompa, dancehall, raggamuffin…) and to see the big parade. There is also Caribbean known music groups who sing and people can taste products from the West-Indies.

The entire Caribbean community of Europe meets to celebrate each year and this is one of the most important event of the year. And the purpose of the Carnival is attained when all French meet, not only Caribbean people, and live it up to the rythmn of the West-Indies.





If you want to see more photos of the French Caribbean Carnival (at least the one of 2007), check this out: Carnaval Tropical de 2007