In recognition of National American-Caribbean Heritage Month, Charlotte Caribbean Carnival returns for its second year and presents Quanival.
The first festival took place in June 2019 with a week of activities culminating with a street festival that was held at the, then, Charlotte Open Air Market. This year’s festival will take place virtually and will be hosted Saturday, June 26, 2021 beginning at six o’clock in the evening.
The 2021 virtual experience will continue to display the arts and culture through live costumes presentations, Soca performances and music featuring some of the most sought-after Caribbean DJs.
Organizer Natalie Joseph is a Grenada native and has lived in Charlotte for over ten years. She is excited for the return of this year’s carnival because “with everything happening around the world right now it’s only best to celebrate Caribbean Heritage. It’s a night to celebrate and share a little piece of Caribbean [culture]”.
Joseph, along with other persons of Caribbean descent, first brought the carnival to Charlotte in 2019 because she wanted the city to experience the type of celebration that she previously had to travel to attend.
The festival brought thousands of visitors to Charlotte looking to watch and participate in the festivities. Charlotte Caribbean Carnival hosted Mas Band performances, Carnival Queen Fete, arts and culture, food, and entertainment.
Highlights from 2019 include the crowning of Miss Puerto Rico as the Caribbean Carnival Queen, Island Buzz was recognized as Mass Band of the Year, and a special performance by Soca artiste Olatunji.
