It's great to know that despite the recent riots in London early this month, Notting Hill Carnival, the largest street festival in all of Europe and the second largest in the world, is still on (Aug. 28 and 29)! We've got fond memories of this festival because years ago, we were lucky enough to be in London during the carnival weekend and be witnesses to that year's Notting Hill Carnival. Weeeee!
Notting Hill Carnival is a two-day Caribbean celebration every end of August. Started in 1959, a year after the Notting Hill Race Riots (a racially-motivated riot brought about by the sudden influx of migrants from the Caribbean) it is a response to racial discrimination in Britain at the time. Getting inspiration from the early 19th century Caribbean festivals celebrating the abolition of slavery, Notting Hill Carnival now symbolizes solidarity and multiracialism in Britain.
Allow us to share some of our Notting Hill Carnival pictures unearthed from our trusty external hard drives!
All main streets and Underground stations leading to Notting Hill were closed down. We got there by bus and got off at the Notting Hill Gate, then walked to Portobello Road (yeah yeah yeah that famous road from the movie).
It was around 20 degrees Celsius, an opportunity for them to strip half-naked. Here in the Philippines, most would be in sweaters and jackets already at that temperature.
Yey! Sun!
Notting Hill Carnival is a two-day Caribbean celebration every end of August. Started in 1959, a year after the Notting Hill Race Riots (a racially-motivated riot brought about by the sudden influx of migrants from the Caribbean) it is a response to racial discrimination in Britain at the time. Getting inspiration from the early 19th century Caribbean festivals celebrating the abolition of slavery, Notting Hill Carnival now symbolizes solidarity and multiracialism in Britain.
Allow us to share some of our Notting Hill Carnival pictures unearthed from our trusty external hard drives!
All main streets and Underground stations leading to Notting Hill were closed down. We got there by bus and got off at the Notting Hill Gate, then walked to Portobello Road (yeah yeah yeah that famous road from the movie).
Lots of food stalls selling different cuisines lined the streets.
We opted for some Chow Mein and ice-cold Coca Cola.
Yey! Sun!
Never too bloody early for a street party!
They got live animals too!
...oh okay we thought she got pink Pomeranians for skates! Hehe
Now the colorful parade!
Exhausted by the warm weather and blinded by the beautiful colors!
We saved our asses from crowded buses and trains so we left without finishing the parade. After-parties would soon follow and would often last until night time. No wonder it is London's much-awaited annual event and millions of party people from around the globe troop to Notting Hill for this.
When I hear the words Notting Hill, I am reminded of the movie. Never knew there was a colorful event like this. Thanks for sharing your wonderful pictures. It's great that despite the problems in London, the carnival is still on. Hope I could experience it personally.
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Hi Karla! Yup we're also reminded of that movie, too bad we weren't able to see the famous Travel Bookshop hehe! Thank you for taking time to read :)
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