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Period: 537 BCE to 537 BCE
Dionysia and Saturnalia Festivals
The Greeks and Romans had many carnivalesque festivals, including the Dionysian festivals and Saturnalia respectively. With the influence of Christianity, these festivals were limited to the period taking place before Lenten. -
1 BCE
The History of Carnival
Carnival, the Caribbean's most renowned and enjoyed time of year, has a deep history mixed with tradition and culture. Here, we will look at the early history of the Trinidad Carnival as well as the history of the Brooklyn Carnival. -
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Cedula de Población
An edict called "Cedula de Población" is issued by the King of Spain in order to encourage migration to Trinidad and Tobago. With the influx of migrants during this time period, modern day carnival is based on the influence of French planters and African slaves. -
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The Spread of Carnavalesque Activities
Many African carnivalesque activities could be found throughout the West Indies. -
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Emancipation of Slaves
With the emancipation of African slaves came the reorganization of Carnival. The event now celebrated their freedom by reenacting Canboulay (which is often seen as a precursor to modern-day Carnival). -
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Canboulay Riots
The Canboulay Riots take place in Trinidad and Tobago. After this, carnival becomes noticeably orderly (and restrained). -
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The Growth of Carnival
Carnival becomes much more socially active. Drumming, dressing, and even calypso music evolve into social critiques. -
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Carnival in Harlem
The first overseas carnival takes place in Harlem in New York City. These indoor celebrations took place during the traditional, pre-Lenten period (in February and March) and had the goal of soothing a nostalgia for the Caribbean. -
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The West Indies Day Parade is Born
A community leader and activist by the name of Jesse Waddell obtains the first street permit, taking Carnival from indoor costume parties to a parading of the streets of Harlem. This parade becomes the West Indies Day Parade. -
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The First Carnival Street Parade
The earliest known Carnival street parade is held in Harlem. Its route was relatively short taking it from 110th or 111th Street to 142nd Street via Seventh Avenue. -
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The Peak of the Harlem Carnival
The Harlem Carnival reaches its peak in attendance with 250,000 people attending. In later years, a steady decline occurs, possibly due to the sizable number of West Indians moving to Brooklyn. -
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Violence in Carnival// West Indian Parade Becomes a Brawl
The first record of substantial violence at Carnival is recorded. -
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Jesse Jackson Speaks at the Brooklyn Carnival
Jesse Jackson makes a (rather infamous) speech at the Carnival. According to multiple sources, his speech ignored the West Indian nature of the audience and treated the event as a “black event.” This served to highlight tensions between West Indians and African Americans -
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The Brooklyn Carnival Thrives
The WIADCA/Labor Day Carnival boasts millions of people in attendance and is a truly colorful expression of Caribbean pride and heritage.