Latest news with #J'ouvert
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Notting Hill Carnival opening ceremony sees revellers throw paint and powder - here's why
As Notting Hill Carnival is approaching swiftly, we're taking a dive into what J'ouvert is and the history behind the colourful 'dutty' event and how Sunday showcases two different versions of J'ouvert Notting Hill Carnival is one of the UK's most iconic events, drawing visitors from across the world to West London for a vibrant Caribbean celebration that unites communities. It's the one time of year you'll see the streets jam-packed with people from all walks of life, moving to the rhythm of steel pans, soca and reggae. For many, Carnival means choosing between Sunday's family-friendly parade or Monday's adults-only party, usually arriving around midday to soak it all in. But the real action starts much earlier - in fact, on Sunday, celebrations kick off at 6am with J'ouvert. While J'ouvert is a huge tradition across the Caribbean, many outside the culture don't know about it - here's everything you need to know ahead of this year's carnival, which is set to have new crowd control measures in place. READ MORE: How Notting Hill Carnival became one of the biggest cultural events after race riots What is J'ouvert? J'ouvert comes from the French Creole phrase "jour ouvert", meaning 'daybreak' or 'opening of the day.' In Caribbean communities, it's usually pronounced 'ju-vay.' The tradition is rooted in Trinidad and Tobago, where pre-dawn celebrations became a space for resistance against colonial authorities trying to suppress Carnival. After slavery was abolished, freed people used music, dance and masquerade as a joyful expression of freedom and cultural pride. Over time, this merged into the spirited, defiant and colourful J'ouvert we see today. For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Think Carnival - but messier. Mas bands take to the streets throwing paint, chocolate, and coloured powder into the crowd. If you're going, wear clothes you don't mind getting ruined. The atmosphere is filled with the sweet sounds of steel pans and the infectious energy of soca music, creating an atmosphere that's pure joy. You'll also spot traditional masquerade characters, including those painted black in the 'Jab' tradition, a symbolic nod to the history of slavery. It's a way of honouring resilience - showing how, despite unimaginable suffering during slavery, enslaved Africans preserved their cultural identity and spirit. Dutty Mas Although the official J'ouvert celebrations wrap up by 9am, the fun doesn't stop there. Later on Sunday, you can still get a taste of the 'dutty' spirit with Dutty Mas - a similarly chaotic, vibrant event for those who love the messy mayhem. You can expect splashes of bright paint, bursts of powder and even melted chocolate flying through the crowd. Whether you're in it for the history, the music, or just the untamed fun, J'ouvert is a reminder that Carnival isn't just about spectacle - it's about freedom, unity and cultural pride from sunrise to sunset.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Starting5: Adriana Smith's Son, Fani Willis, Atlanta Carnival, and ‘Sinners'
Welcome to Starting5, your daily rundown of five ATL news items that should be on your radar or in your group chat. Our morning primer covering culture, politics, sports, and more, is your cheat sheet on what's buzzing in the A. There's a new development in the heartbreaking story of Adriana Smith, the brain-dead Atlanta woman whose pregnancy put her at the center of a political debate about Georgia's abortion ban. The 30-year-old's family has shown support for the hospital keeping her on life support so her fetus, who they've named Chance, has a shot at life. 'Right now, the journey is for baby Chance to survive — and whatever condition God allows him to come here in, we're going to love him just the same,' April Newkirk, Smith's mother, told 11Alive. Smith is reportedly 22 weeks pregnant after more than three months without brain activity. Doctors at Emory University Hospital Midtown plan to keep her on life support until they can perform a C-section in August. SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective has announced plans to assemble a 'Trust Black Women' altar in Smith's honor. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis indicted South Fulton Mayor Khalid Kamau on a criminal trespassing charge stemming from a 2023 incident in which he allegedly entered a private lake house in Fairburn without permission, according to WSB-TV. The police report states that Kamau told responding officers that he disregarded signs prohibiting entry and wanted to purchase the property, calling it his 'dream home.' Kamau was booked into Fulton County Jail and released the same day on an $11,000 bond. If he's convicted of the trespassing charge, he could face one year in jail, probation, or a $1,000 fine. 'When someone violates the law, their position does not shield them from accountability,' Willis said in a statement. Kamau — who was previously investigated by Fulton officials for alleged misuse of city funds — announced last month that he will not seek reelection. Atlanta lovers of West Indian culture: This is your moment. The 38th annual Atlanta Caribbean Carnival is back this weekend, which means the city streets will come alive with booming soca music, vibrant feathers, and more whine than Napa Valley. The festivities begin Friday, with a J'ouvert kickoff celebration taking over Underground Atlanta. The carnival parade takes place Saturday in Vine City, followed by parties, a brunch, and other jubilant events honoring Caribbean hotspots like Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and Haiti. You playing mas? Another day, another dose of alarming allegations made in the Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking case. Hip-hop artist Kid Cudi made headlines Thursday after testifying that Combs broke into his home and was connected to the Molotov cocktail bombing of his Porsche in 2012, according to CNN. Cudi said the incidents took place shortly after Combs discovered he was romantically involved with Combs' ex, Cassie Ventura. The prosecution sought out the Grammy winner's testimony to support Ventura's depiction of the defendant, who she accused last week of physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. Makeup artist Mylah Morales also took the stand, testifying that she saw injuries to Ventura's face after a 2010 confrontation with Combs. Court is adjourned until Tuesday, when the jury will hear from Capricorn Clark, a former employee of Combs'. Ryan Coogler's latest movie, Sinners, is more than just a big-screen winner — it's pole-vaulting past some of the most profitable films in history. The vampire period piece, starring Michael B. Jordan in two roles, has surpassed $320 million globally, including $246 million in domestic box office sales, according to The Numbers. While one media outlet shaded Sinners' early success, it's now the ninth-highest grossing horror film of all time worldwide, recently surpassing The Conjuring. And while Sinners is still putting butts in seats (including at Tara Theater, the rare local cinema still offering 70 mm screenings), it will be available for on-demand streaming starting June 3. Once that happens, vampires won't be the only ones requesting to come inside for movie night. The post Starting5: Adriana Smith's Son, Fani Willis, Atlanta Carnival, and 'Sinners' appeared first on Capital B News - Atlanta.
