Every year since 1966, during the last week-end of august, London holds the hugest Carnival after Rio de Janeiro. People from everywhere in the world meet in Notting Hill to see the 'mas' (masquerade) bands parade, dance and play in their amazing Caribbean costumes; the festivity was started by the West Indian immigrants to become a real Caraibbean carnival. Traditional food and drinks are cooked in the hundreds of stalls that line the streets, and every road has its 'soud system' that plays very loud music: Nottin Hill Carnival isn't just something to look at, but a big party where everyone is invited. An average of two million people crowd this neighbourhood every year during the festival, but the huge police presence keep the party pretty safe.

Where: Notting Hill - London (England)
When: august 2001
Images : colour negative , HR and LR scans available
Text: English, French, and Italian versions available on demand