D.C. Caribbean Carnival 2006

On the morning of Saturday June 24, 2006 and with a forecast of 90% rain, thunderstorm and flooding, no one expected that the overcast clouds will reopen and brilliant sunshine will be unleashed to showcase the varied portrayals of twenty-one bands/floats depicting varied carnivals representing the Caribbean region. The humidity was high, the music was scintillating and the various gyrating masqueraders, as if they had been starved by the winter hibernation, unleashed a level of energy that only a true aficionado of this art form will embrace.

Such was the start of the 14th Annual DC Caribbean Carnival parade which got underway at 11:00 AM and culminated at 5:00 PM.

As a precursor to the parade, during the previous weekend, June 17 – June 18, we embraced the Pan Jam where the steelbands showcased their musical tone, arrangement and agility and the Dimanche Gras Show which was the opportunity to showcase the creative and artistic portrayals of the local “wire benders” and the “costume makers” As part of this extravaganza, artists were judged on their skill and dexterity, not only in delivering a portrayal as evidenced on their individual project descriptions but also on the unique characteristics which allows the Kings, Queens and Individuals of Carnival to “dance” their costumes  This event also featured the first portrayal of Children’s Carnival.

However, the litmus test was the parade itself which included the twenty-one Caribbean masquerade bands with over 5,000 masqueraders colorfully portraying different themes by children and adults of all ages and jumping to the infectious sounds from SOCA DJs and pulsating rhythms of three steel bands.

The annual Extravaganza Parade was staged along the Georgia Avenue corridor on Saturday, June 24, 2006, commencing at Missouri Avenue and terminating at the international marketplace at "DE SAVANNAH" - Banneker Recreation Park featuring food, craft and entertainment hosted by DC Caribbean Carnival, Inc.

On Sunday June 25, 2006 –the forces of nature brought the weekend to an abrupt standstill as torrential rains, lightning and flooding embraced “DE SAVANNAH” which resulted in the festival cancellation primarily due to health and safety challenges caused by the elements.
This cultural extravaganza attracted audiences of all ages, income and ethnic backgrounds, not only from the Washington Metropolitan Area, but as far away as Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, the US Virgin Islands, Miami, New York, Toronto, Montreal, New Jersey, Atlanta and California.  An enthusiastic crowd of over 300,000 spectators lined the 3-mile route and for 6 hours Georgia Avenue was transformed into a melting pot of people reacting to the pulsating rhythms and infectious music and carnival portrayals. For many, representations by Bahama Junkanoo, Pan Masters Steel Orchestra, DC PanJammers and Trini Pan America and from the motherland, Afri Carnival were viewed with high acclamation.
  
“DC CARNIVAL” is an annual event produced by DC Caribbean Carnival, Inc., a 501(C) 3 non-profit organization based in the District of Columbia.  The purpose of this event is to bring to fruition an annual Caribbean style parade in the District of Columbia called "DC CARNIVAL", develop and encourage cross-cultural programs within the Washington Metropolitan Area community serviced by DCCC in the expansion of Caribbean culture, and educate youths and adults in the Caribbean arts, crafts and culture.

Through the cooperation and assistance of the Mayor's Office and the Office of Emergency Management and several District of Columbia Agencies, DC Caribbean Carnival is afforded the opportunity to network and fully promote the event.  In addition, Channel 9 Television, WHUT Television, Washington Post, Washington Times, Washington Informer, Washington City Paper, Afro American, The Trinidad Express News Paper and the Daily News from New York and several local radio stations including WHUR 96.3 FM and WPFW 89.3 FM in Washington D.C., and WEAA 88.9 FM in Baltimore and our vibrant webmaster, Willoughby Francis afforded us the opportunity to reach a broad segment of the community.

The results of the judging of the Kings, Queens and Individuals at the Dimanche Gras and the Parade are listed on our website www.dccaribbeancarnival.com.

Finally, DC Caribbean Carnival extends a special thanks to the Bandleaders in the Washington Metropolitan Area for their support, cooperation and creative energies in making DC CARNIVAL 2006 another magnificent showcase.

To our major sponsor, Crossroads Entertainment Complex, thank you for your continued support over the years especially with the Pan Jam, Dimanche Gras and providing the artists in DE SAVANNAH.  Your contribution to the Caribbean community has enabled organizations such as DC Caribbean Carnival to preserve and showcase our Caribbean heritage.

For complete results and more information about the DC CARNIVAL events or the DC Caribbean Carnival, Inc. contact DC Caribbean Carnival at 202-726-2204; email dcccinc@hotmail.com or visit www.dccaribbeancarnival.com.