Carnaval del Pueblo 2008

This annual community event promises a colourful, striking, and powerful costumed float procession plus live performances from some of Latin America's most prominent artists.

The line-up for this year's event will also include, amongst others, a spectacular representation of Bolivian 'Carnaval de Oruro', UNESCO's Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, with pre-Colombian colourful ceremonial costumes and dances; a tango sensational performance by Diana Giraldo and Carlos Paredes, winners of World Tango Championships, Argentina 2007; and the new Mexican exotic acrobatic and sensual 'quebradita' dance, presented by the first World Champions of this gender. Plus Brazillian Samba shows, UK-based Reggae, Columbian Salsa, Mexican Mariachi, Bolivian Folklore, and Peruvian and Bolivian Panpipes.

Starting at noon, the Float Parade, with traditionally dressed dancers and musicians representing each of the different Latin American countries, makes its way from from Elephant and Castle to Burgess Park, via Walworth Road, Camberwell Road and Albany Road. At the park, live acts will entertain carnival-goers from 10am to 10pm at the Main Stage, and the Andean and Brazilian areas. There will also be a salsa dance floor for people to enjoy their ringing moves!

There will also be 200 stall marquees where stall holders trade in Latin American, Caribbean and Western food and drinks, and Arts and Crafts from the region. Plus traditional food, handcrafts and a kids' zone which will provide a range of fun activities for families, including workshops, face painting, bouncy castles and fun fair.

The concerts take place from 3 to 9 pm. Music is expected to include Salsa bands, traditional folk (e.g. pipe music of the Andes), Samba and Capoeira dance, replicating the sensuous sights, sounds and atmoshere of the exotic Southern hemphishere.

There will be a wide range of South American food and crafts to explore and sample. This festival seems to be increasing in popularity on an annual basis.

For more information, see the Carnaval del Pueblo website.

Latest Updates