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Home · News

Nothing Can Stop We! Inside London’s Notting Hill Carnival

London recently became an explosion of colors and sounds for Notting Hill Carnival. The street parade drew over one million people to its streets over the course of two days. Groups of revelers, called bands, conjured up the playfulness of a paint and powder party similar to J’ouvert in Trinidad. Bodies, cars and the road were decorated with a rainbow of colors. Bodies jumped and waved. Booming sound systems could be heard from every street. This is the power of Carnival. 

By Kristin Braswell · September 4, 2015October 27, 2020
01
Notting Hill Carnival

London recently became an explosion of colors and sounds for Notting Hill Carnival. The street parade drew over one million people to its streets over the course of two days. Groups of revelers, called bands, conjured up the playfulness of a paint and powder party similar to J’ouvert in Trinidad. Bodies, cars and the road were decorated with a rainbow of colors. Bodies jumped and waved. Booming sound systems could be heard from every street. This is the power of Carnival.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
02
Notting Hill Carnival

Revelers celebrated Notting Hill Carnival with their groups, called bands.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
03
Notting Hill Carnival

Dancing for hours to soca with a cup of rum in hand is part of the spirit of Carnival.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
04
Notting Hill Carnival

Designers spend up to a year making costumes for revelers to display on the road.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
05
Notting Hill Carnival

Not only are costumes ornate, but makeup as well.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
06
Notting Hill Carnival

Revelers often carry their country’s flag as a salute to their homeland.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
07
Notting Hill Carnival

Onlookers gather to watch the parade and energy of the road.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
08
Notting Hill Carnival

Wukkin up, getting on bad, and wining to the rhythm of soca is all a part of being on the road.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
09
Notting Hill Carnival

Here, a reveler gets lost in the beat of a riddim.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
10
Notting Hill Carnival

Marching down the road with your band creates a sense of community and pride for your country.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
11
Notting Hill Carnival

Over 1 million people filled the streets of London’s Notting Hill neighborhood for Carnival.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
12
Notting Hill Carnival

When it comes to costumes, the more color, the better.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
13
Notting Hill Carnival

A reveler in TriniPosseUK represents Trinidad and Tobago.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
14
Notting Hill Carnival

On Carnival Sunday, revelers douse their bodies in paint and powder.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
15
Notting Hill Carnival

A reveler covered in paint with Colours band keeps the party going on the road.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
16
Notting Hill Carnival

Two friends playfully cover each other in paint.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
17
Notting Hill Carnival

Creating your own look for Carnival is part of the fun.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
18
Notting Hill Carnival

Winin up on the truck, a reveler lets go.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
19
Notting Hill Carnival

Onlookers from the neighborhood partake in the Notting Hill Carnival.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
20
Notting Hill Carnival

Here, a reveler from Sierra Leone prepares to hit the road in style.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
21
Notting Hill Carnival

A band from Sierra Leone gathers to rep their country for Notting Hill’s Carnival.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
22
Notting Hill Carnival

A reveler makes her way to meet her band in full costume.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
23
Notting Hill Carnival

The streets are full of people and the booming sound of soca during Carnival.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films
24
Notting Hill Carnival

Showing love to a friend or stranger stands at the heart of Carnival around the world.

Dominique DeLeon of Special Boy Films

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