About Us

Introduction

The West Indian Independence Celebrations, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) designated organization responsible for the planning and presentation of the West Indian Independence Celebration, a one-day festival which is held annually in Hartford, Connecticut. The festival includes a street parade and music festival, which showcases and promotes West Indian culture, food, music, and people. The event also serves to connect natives and also future generations of West Indians born in the United States with their heritage.
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The festival was originally established as a standing committee of the West Indian Social Club of Hartford, Inc. in 1962 to highlight the independence of the various Caribbean nations. Since then, the festival continues to be one of the highlights of the summer activities in Hartford, Connecticut. The participating nations include: Haiti (1804); Dominican Republic (1844); Cuba (1902); Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago (1962); Guyana and Barbados (1966); The Bahamas (1973); Grenada (1974); Suriname (1975); Dominica (1978); Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (1979); Belize, Antigua and Barbuda (1981); and St. Kitts and Nevis (1983).

Client Since 1995

The organization was incorporated May 24, 2000 as the West Indian Celebration Committee, Inc. and officially became a separate, independent entity. On November 1, 2007, the name was amended and the organization became known as the West Indian Independence Celebrations, Inc.

Client Since 1995

The week-long celebration traditionally kicks off the second week of August and concludes on the second Saturday of the month with a street parade and music festival. The parade features floats, steel pan music, dance teams, stilt walkers, drill teams, marching bands; and masqueraders displaying brilliant and elaborate costumes influenced by the costumes seen at carnival celebrations in the Caribbean.

Client Since 1995

Time for the Historical Perspective

1962
1962
The Starting Point

The WIIC is established as a standing committee of the West Indian Social Club of Hartford, Inc. to highlight the independence of the various Caribbean nations. Back then the event was marked by a street parade featuring floats, marching bands and queens and cricket and domino competitions. The event concluded with a formal ball which was held at various venues around the city.

1994
1994
Partnerships

Caribbean American Society of Hartford, Inc; Jamaica Progressive League, Trinidad and Tobago American Society – Hartford chapter, St. Lucia American Society of Hartford, Sportsmen Athletic Club, Caribbean Ladies Cultural Club of Hartford, Guyanese American Cultural Club and the Barbados American Society is cited in this 1994 article from the Hartford Courant as the member organizations that made up the Celebration committee.

1996
1996
Caribbean Carnival Connections, Inc.

Caribbean Carnival Connections, Inc. is formed. In 1997 the group partners with the committee to add more Caribbean carnival flair to the street parade.

2000
2000
WICC, Inc

The committee is incorporated with the State of Connecticut as West Indian Celebration Committee, Inc. That same year, a group known as Hartford Carnival Association was also incorporated in the state of Connecticut but was dissolved November of that year.

2002
2002
CICCA, Inc.

Connecticut International Cultural Carnival Association, Inc (CICCA) is incorporated in the State of Connecticut. The organization remains a partner with the Celebration committee.

2007
2007
CICCA Amendment

Name amended to West Indian Independence Celebrations, Inc.

2010
2010
Parade Direction Change

Parade was reversed and flowed from North Main Street in the north-end of Hartford to downtown Hartford.

2011
2011
Bushnell Park Concert

First music concert following the street parade is held in Bushnell Park

2012
2012
Khago, Kevin Lyttle headlines
50th WIIC Hartford- Entertainers

Khago, Kevin Lyttle headlines

2013
2013
Chris Martin, Ken Boothe, Iwer George headlines
51st WIIC Hartford- Entertainers

Chris Martin, Ken Boothe, Iwer George headlines

2014
2014
Marcia Griffiths, Duane Stephenson, Edwin Yearwood headlines
52nd WIIC Hartford- Entertainers

Marcia Griffiths, Duane Stephenson, Edwin Yearwood headlines

2015
2015
Ghost, Patrice Roberts, Dexta Daps, Frassman headlines
53rd WIIC Hartford- Entertainers

Ghost, Patrice Roberts, Dexta Daps, Frassman headlines

2016
2016
Serani, Shinehead, Jamesy P headlines
54th WIIC Hartford- Entertainers

Serani, Shinehead, Jamesy P headlines

2017
2017
Kranium and Ricky T headlines
55th WIIC Hartford- Entertainers

Kranium and Ricky T headlines

2018
2018
Mr. Vegas, Gem Myers, Olatunji headlines
56th WIIC Hartford- Entertainers

Mr. Vegas, Gem Myers, Olatunji headlines

2019
2019
Third World, Denise Belfon
57th WIIC Hartford- Entertainers

Third World, Denise Belfon

2020
2020
D’Angel, Shurwayne Winchester, Chi Ching Ching
58th WIIC Hartford- Entertainers

D’Angel, Shurwayne Winchester, Chi Ching Ching

2021
2021
Freddie McGregor, Kerwin Du Bois
59th WIIC Hartford- Entertainers

Freddie McGregor, Kerwin Du Bois

Media Release & Event Notice

You may be photographed at any WIIC Hartford event for West Indian Independence Celebration, Inc's promotional purposes. These event photos may be used at WIIC Hartford’s discretion for promotional purposes without your specific written consent and/or without compensation.

You must be 21 or older with valid ID to consume alcohol at certain vendors.  WIIC Harford promotes responsible drinking.

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