2002 WRAP UP

D.C. Caribbean Carnival “2002” is no longer a dream, but a reality. As we look back and reflect over the last ten years, it is clear that our growth and development was seriously compromised by the lack of financial support.  Although DC Caribbean Carnival is based in the District of Columbia and is a 501 C (3) non-profit, tax-exempt organization, wherein donations are fully written off as a taxable deduction, our efforts to attract donations and grants are eroding annually.

However, the various challenges did not compromise the quality and receptiveness of our annual carnival. The first parade started with nine (9) costumed bands in 1993 and a few thousand onlookers and blossomed into an average of twenty (20)-costumed bands and five hundred thousand residents and visitors. Each year Georgia Avenue was transformed into a Caribbean melting pot as everyone enjoyed the sweet pulsating rhythms of steelband and soca music adorned with the colorful spectacle of dancing and gyrating masqueraders. We intend to maintain the same atmosphere on Constitution Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue.

DC Caribbean Carnival other supporting programs include our annual “Pan Jam” which features steelbands in an open atmosphere, our annual Dimanche Gras outdoor cultural extravaganza which features a competition to judge the King, Queen and Individuals of Carnival – which is open to kids and adults.

Some committed sponsors and supporters have aligned themselves with our dedication to preserve the art form that is carnival. Special acknowledgement to the Caribbean Bandleaders Association, masqueraders, steel bands, brass bands, DJs, Office of the Mayor and other dignitaries including Jim Graham, Council Member Ward 1, Adrian Fenty, Council Member Ward 4, United Way of the National Capital Area and the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities and National Endowment for the Arts.  The parade also 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.