This image is a snap shot of a celebration called Caribbean Fest. A few times out the year, everyone gets together and celebrate Caribbean cultures. This is not an event that you would have to be Caribbean to attend. It is literally for everyone, all ages and races. Although it isn’t required, people dress up in their country’s colors, when attending the festival. Some even spend thousands on their costumes. There is also a lot of ethnocentrism. Every culture feels that they are the best. Usually those with the higher ethnocentrism tend to spend more on their costumes. The event has music and food from the Caribbean cultures. They would play reggae, soca, calypso,and many more. A few dishes that would be served at the festival is ox tail with rice and peas and plantain, fried fish, curry goat with white rice, and crab callaloo. These collectivistic cultures come together and enjoys each others company. These customs have been going on since 1971 and are going to continue for many years to come.
Thank you for sharing! When I saw this photo, my mind immediately took me to Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn on Labor Day! Every year when I lived in NY, I would go to “The Parkway” to celebrate Juvee with numerous Caribbean friends. I am not of Caribbean descent but my friends have always made a feel a part of their family – I love this about your culture!
I am actually from the mountains, so I am not familiar with this type of festivals. Although, I am familiar with a celebration on the Caribbean coast of my country where people celebrate in outfits like in the picture. I like the variety of colors and rhythm; the ambiance is so vibrant that is difficult not to feel energized by the music. I love plantains and oxtail so I know I would like to attend one of this if I ever have the chance to assist. In regards to Ethnocentrism, I think that almost every culture feels that way, where their customer is the best. Once a Mexican friend told me that we Colombians believe we are better than the rest of Hispanics. I was so horrible, just to make him more upset I said: we don’t think we are better, WE ARE BETTER. Just a little joke :). Thanks for sharing.
I never knew that these festivals existed for so long, Wow since 1971! This year was my first tie actually witnessing the crowd that attends, and yes its HUGE! I usually look at pictures online to see how creative the costumes are and their usually quite unique! One day I would love to participate in one to experience something outside of my culture. Thanks for sharing!
Wow Caribbean culture seems like they have a lot of pride in their nations. By the way it is described in the post it seems very free and expressive. Caribbean food is always good so, I might have go to a Caribbean fest one day. Within my family’s culture there is a lot of judgement on outsiders so I am glad to hear that at the Caribbean festival all countries are welcome.