MIA Magazine Sept 2016 | Page 14

14BB

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

By Marlon Hill

© 2015 Carl Juste / Miami Herald Staff

© 2015 Carl Juste / Miami Herald Staff

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2016

YOUR CARNIVAL FUN KIT
At its heart, Miami is a Caribbean city.
From the days of our Bahamians
signatories of our city charter to the
smell of jerk, curry and griot on the
community streets of North Miami and
Lauderhill, Miami and South Florida has
embodied the cultural flavors and
traditions of a region. Our annual
Carnival celebration is one of those
expressions.
All Carnival celebrations from each of
our island nations, irrespective of the
time of year, signal a time to break free
from life's challenges, obstacles, and
drama. These Carnival celebrations also
burst into a season of artistic expressions
in our costumes, steel bands and
pulsating music. It is a season of love and
happiness.
In Miami and South Florida, Miami
Broward Carnival has sustained the
quality of life and connection to cultural
heritage for over thirty three years. There
are over three generations of kids who
have now grown into this American
institution of cultural tourism. You don't
have to be in the Caribbean region or
even to be of Caribbean blood to enjoy
the best of the South Florida cultural
tourism gem.
Here are my zip top tips to whip
yourself into shape for a cultural journey
right here in our own hometown:
* First and foremost, you will a couple
days off to enjoy the best of the
Columbus Day Weekend
*If you have kids or nieces or
nephews, let them have their fun at
Kiddies Carnival on Saturday, October
1, (wink wink) this way you won't feel
guilty when you are missing for days
October 7-10)
*Join one of our many Carnival Mas

bands. This is where all the fun is
bundled in one neat package. Play Mas!
*Check with your crew of friends and
develop a common fête schedule from
the myriad themed parties from October
7-10. There's something there for
everyone on the menu - from outdoor
DJ parties at night, breakfast dawn or
during the blazing sunlight.
*Be sure to dress in comfortable
shoes to conserve the pain that may
afflict you later
* Try to carpool, utilize drive sharing
services, or offsite parking a