The last time I went to a Caribbean carnival was summer 2010 in St. Pete. I went with a couple friends and had a whole ball that day. The Caribbean community here in Tampa Bay  lets their presence be known from the music to definitely the food. Recently, Visit Tampa Bay and the Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival announced a partnership so this is such an exciting thing for not only the city, but the Caribbean community as a whole.

According to a press release, guests at the Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival can enjoy “exhibits, crafts, top-name entertainment and vendors, a street parade, a J’ouvert morning experience, a Steelpan Jamboree, an amalgamation of Carnival Music, Multimedia and family with glorious atmosphere and high-stepping masquerade bands”.

I attended the press conference for the partnership last Thursday and it was a sight to see. Dancers were in the most elaborate, gorgeous costumes and they looked so beautiful. City of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, Visit Tampa Bay President/CEO Santiago C. Corrada, Hillsborough County Commissioner Gwen Myers, and Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival President Anthony Devon George each gave remarks during the festivities.

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“Thank you so much for all the struggles and all the efforts you put in to making this not only a wonderful celebration of our diversity but also growing it every single year,” said Castor.

The 17th Annual Tampa Bay Caribbean Carnival starts its festivities Friday, April 29-May 2. The main event happens April 30 at Perry Harvey, Sr. Park 12pm-10pm. A few ticket tiers are sold out but the remaining ticket options range $15-35.

“It’s been an exciting journey. Bringing people together is what I do,” said George. “Carnival is culture. Carnival is diversity. Carnival is you and carnival is me.”