Events
Schedule of Events
Our 2023 event is comprised of the following:
PARADE
12 pm – 3 pm:
Join us for our 61st annual West Indian Independence Celebrations Parade which starts 12 noon, at the corner of Albany Avenue and North Main Street in downtown Hartford. Follow the masqueraders to the Carnival Village near the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park.
CARNIVAL VILLAGE
1 pm – 6 pm:
Meet the parade participants and masqueraders after the parade by the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch at our second LIVE stage! There, we will have the judging and trophy and prize presentation for best dance and best costume along with a presentation to our Grand Marshal(s) and other performances.
CELEBRATIONS CONCERT
3 pm – 8:30 pm:
Our free concert features: MAD COBRA, MOTTO, QQ, KINGSTON ROCK, NANA, KAMAR DAPPA, DAJAH, IESHA NOVA, SOUND PIPERS, BAND, LEMON, STANLEY DUBOIS, SEXI MARISSA, Emcee: BURGERMAN from Mello FM, Jamaica
MARKETPLACE / VENDORS
12 pm – 8:30 pm:
Food and Drinks Hungry? Plan to visit our food and drink vendors in our marketplace to try authentic Caribbean dishes from Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Puerto Rico; just to name a few. Beer will also be available for purchase in our beer garden. Bring cash and or have a debit or credit card ready for smooth and quick transactions
Arts and Craft vendors will be on site with t-shirts, flags, toys, games, jewelry, souvenirs, paintings, wood carvings, incense, pottery and more.
Bring cash and or have a debit or credit card ready for smooth and quick transactions.
Quick Navigation
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.
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.