The Parade
Introduction
The Parade will take place on Saturday, August 12th and will feature different entries/bands, many of whom will be dressed in traditional Caribbean carnival costumes meandering around on our approved parade route…
DEADLINE: RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE Aug. 5th, 2023*
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What to Expect
PARADE OF THE BANDS
The Parade will take place on Saturday, August 12th and will feature different entries/bands, many of whom will be dressed in traditional Caribbean carnival costumes meandering around on our approved parade route. The parade starts at noon at the corner of Albany and Main Street (next to the Keney Memorial Clock Tower) and ends in Bushnell Park.
Music: Destra Garcia – DESTRA VS LUCY / Documented by: @JOHNALISTA
GRAND MARSHALS
As part of this momentous occasion, we wanted to recognize and amplify 6 or more members of the Greater Hartford community who have contributed to the promotion of West Indian culture as well as the growth and development of our organization. We also wanted to recognize individuals for their dedicated service to the community at large, as well as recognize individuals who are living exemplary lives marked by courage, strength and resilience. We are proud to announce that our 6 Grand Marshals who will lead our 60th parade procession are: Leslie Perry (Jamaica), Jendayi Scott- Miller (United States of America), Benita Touissant (Trinidad and Tobago), Pam Daniels (St. Lucia), Rosamond White (Dominica) and Debbie Hutchinson (Jamaica).
MUSIC
You can expect to hear lots of soca, some reggae and dancehall music during the procession of the parade which will be blasting from approved flatbed trucks. The trucks carry the music and entertainment and is outfitted with large speakers and/or musical instruments. Masqueraders will follow the trucks as they make their way to the park for judging.
JUDGING POINT
We will have two stages in Bushnell Park this year; the main stage (performance pavilion) for our concert and a separate stage for judging the participants from the parade in our Carnival Village. The bands will complete their performance in the presence of a judging panel in an attempt to win the coveted titles and trophies, along with available prize. You do not want to miss the performances.
THE CONCERT
Our concert will begin at 4pm and will run simultaneously with the judging stage. That’s right, we will have two live stages in Bushnell Park this year. Our concert will feature live performances from combination of local, emerging, and international Caribbean talent. The concert has featured powerhouse soca, dancehall and reggae acts which includes: Freddie McGregor, Patrice Roberts, Kerwin Du Boise, Marcia Griffiths, Vegas, Lyrikal, Third World Band, Edwin Yearwood and Dexta Daps, just to name a few.
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 CRAFTS
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.
Parade Map & Route
2022 Celebrations – Parade/Carnival Route
Stay tuned for Route changes and update for 2023
What to expect Along the 2023 Route?
As you traverse the upcoming parade route this year, you will be passing several key landmarks in Hartford, CT. Here is a preview of those places via the slideshow below.
Behind the Scenes
The Costume Makers – What is MasCamp?
We chat with Grace Wright of the Grace C. Wright Performing Arts Co.
Music: Jeff Kaale – “Tropic” and “Kiwi”/ Directed & Documented by: Natasha Samuels
How to Join the Parade?
Only 3-Steps to join the parade:
- Get & Fill out the Application (PDF)
- Sign it
- Mail Application with your payment to:
P.O BOX 2632 Hartford, CT 06146 – 2632
DEADLINE: RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATION ON OR BEFORE Aug 5th, 2023*
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.