Windy City Carnival’s “Many Beats…One Rhythm” Returns

Windy City Carnival’s “Many Beats…One Rhythm” Returns

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The Windy City Carnival returns this weekend for its 6th annual cultural celebration of the West Indies and the Caribbean islands. The Carnival was first started in 1994 but gradually lost its appeal by 2011. That’s when migrants, Kirvan Audain and wife, Lystra Audain realized its potential to unite people of their heritage and co-founded it as the Windy City West Indian Carnival. The Carnival is full of sights and sounds celebrating food, music and dance of the islands. But that’s not all. According to the Audains, it’s a “party with a mission,” as they use this platform to educate other communities about their culture and serve the underprivileged. They also help the Caribbean population in the process of naturalization. This year, the Carnival will begin with a parade of 11 masquerade bands playing Jamaican, Belizean and Haitian music. The parade will also feature handmade costumes, traditional dances and steel pan music, surrounded by vendors selling authentic food and crafts. According to the Audains’, the highlight of the Carnival is the Parade of Bands competition, where mas bands compete for the 2018 Windy City Carnival Midwest Band of the Year. The Carnival is tomorrow, August 18 from 11a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Midway Plaisance in Hyde Park. Joining us to discuss the Carnival are co-founders Kirvan and Lystra Audain. Our global citizen, Nari Safavi, will also join us to give you a couple events to help you plan your international weekend!