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.
Revelers celebrated Notting Hill Carnival with their groups, called bands.
Dancing for hours to soca with a cup of rum in hand is part of the spirit of Carnival.
Designers spend up to a year making costumes for revelers to display on the road.
Not only are costumes ornate, but makeup as well.
Revelers often carry their country’s flag as a salute to their homeland.
Onlookers gather to watch the parade and energy of the road.
Wukkin up, getting on bad, and wining to the rhythm of soca is all a part of being on the road.
Here, a reveler gets lost in the beat of a riddim.
Marching down the road with your band creates a sense of community and pride for your country.
Over 1 million people filled the streets of London’s Notting Hill neighborhood for Carnival.
When it comes to costumes, the more color, the better.
A reveler in TriniPosseUK represents Trinidad and Tobago.
On Carnival Sunday, revelers douse their bodies in paint and powder.
A reveler covered in paint with Colours band keeps the party going on the road.
Two friends playfully cover each other in paint.
Creating your own look for Carnival is part of the fun.
Winin up on the truck, a reveler lets go.
Onlookers from the neighborhood partake in the Notting Hill Carnival.
Here, a reveler from Sierra Leone prepares to hit the road in style.
A band from Sierra Leone gathers to rep their country for Notting Hill’s Carnival.
A reveler makes her way to meet her band in full costume.
The streets are full of people and the booming sound of soca during Carnival.
Showing love to a friend or stranger stands at the heart of Carnival around the world.
