Welcome to the Advent Calendar, day 12. The Carnival returned to its traditional form after being forced to adapt to Covid in the past two years.
Leeds West Indian Carnival never went away. It was around in some form during the pandemic, I tuned into streams both years. Still, it was a tremendous relief when the Carnival was back on in person – aside from really missing it, it was also the biggest symboliser for me that things were on the road to normal.
So, come the 29th of August, I was hugely excited for the carnival to come down Harehills Road, where I’ve been watching it year after year until the Pandemic.
I remember when I first moved to Harehills, I knew of Carnival and its parade but didn’t know the route. So that August Bank Holiday, I took myself to the shops. Bemused by fencing placed around and a general sense that something was meant to be happening. It was quite a shock when this noise started building, and suddenly past the shop windows, dragons and beasts were going down Harehills Road. This was back in 2014.
Since then, I’ve brought my family together to party and join the crowds watching and spectating the carnival as it passes down the bottom of my street. I love the music, the energetic vibe of the crowds, the dancers and the fantastic costumes. It’s such a joyful celebration.
Of course, this is what it means to me. At 55 years old, the carnival is the oldest running West Indian Carnival parade in Europe, and it means a lot to people, from its founders to its youngest new fans lining the parade route.
There are some excellent videos and photos on the Leeds West Indian Carnival website and fantastic information on the Carnival, its history, and its legacy. If you’ve never been, you should check it out in 2023. Whether you’re going to the events in Potternewton Park or to see the Parade along its course, it’s something you won’t regret.
Here’s a video I’ve put together from this year’s carnival:
Harehills ❤️ Love 
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