I was in Jamaica and heard that Carnival was happening in Kingston on the 28th April. All hotel rooms were booked out for that weekend but I found an Airbnb location in Portmore. I booked for the Saturday and Sunday night. Hotels.com confirmed the room was booked but I could not get hold of the owner. On Saturday afternoon I got on a coaster from Westmoreland to head to Portmore. One hour before I arrived an email was sent to me by the owner to say that no one was available to get the room ready for me in Portmore. Of course I did not have access to email whilst travelling. When I arrived at the location the Portmore brethren were quite helpful in assisting me in getting hold of the owner in Miami to confirm that I did not have a place to stay. No money was exchanged, it suddenly became dark and I had no place to stay. Lesson learned – an Airbnb room is not guaranteed when booked!
On the day of the Carnival I arrived at the Half-Way Tree Bus Terminal at 11 a.m. The Carnival start at noon was the only information I gathered but I did not know what was going on. This was my first Jamaican Carnival. I now know that there was four bands present known as Xaymaca International, Bacchanal Jamaica, Xodus Carnival and One World Rebellion.
Whilst waiting for the carnival to start I walked around Kingston and captured some images. I used to live in Portmore in 2001/2002. The place has changed and I am now a country man (Westmoreland). Here are a few of the images of the preparation of the carnival.
Suddenly at 2:45 p.m. the carnival started and I was following the band Bacchanal Jamaica. Bacchanal Jamaica was a good band to follow because they started at the start of the 21st century. They are the oldest band which is close enough to the origins of carnival in Jamaica. With my meal in one hand and camera in the other I started capturing the moment. Here are the images of Bacchanal Jamaica.
It was 5 p.m. and I arrived at Half-Way Tree. One girl was still full of energy and was spinning on her head. The other revellers got something to eat whilst I captured some more images.
I had finally reached the end of the parade with Bacchanal Jamaica and enjoyed taking the pictures on such a lovely day with all the beautiful costumes and the Jamaican music. The Jamaica Tourist Board had mentioned that this carnival had a large turnout and I can confirm that.