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Miami Carnival 2010: The Tales
serious facts first, fun facts after...

FACTS:

- This has to be a long parade ... obviousily with just twenty-five (25) bands such as Generation X, Carnival Nationz Miami, Natural Freaks, Mascots Int’l , Party People just to name a few. All the bands had wonderful themes and names being portrayed for example "Cocktails", "Tribute to Mighty Sparrow" and "Colours of Earth".

- The Costumes' styles ranged from traditional pieces - two piece suits, thongs, sequins, head pieces, even standards; to quite realistic impressions of Avatar characters, creating a vibrant blend of colours, designs and looks in the streets of Miami Gardens.

- This annual event attracts over one hundred thousand (100,000) people from all over the globe especially the States, Canada, Europe, Latin America and of course the Caribbean ... you even had some people from the land down under!

FUN:
Me being a first time reveller in Miami and linking up with the Trini Jungle Juice posse, I heard mostly good things about this jump up and approached it with a positive attitude. Meeting friends from all over the globe on the road made me feel comfortable and at no point I felt lost. Carrying the flag of the country you’re representing made it even easier to get in touch with others and was reason enough to have some bumper to bumper action right then and there! 

"Oh you reppin' Lucia?" ..... "Yep!"...... "Me too" ..... --> WINE!!!!!

Now the TJJ crew were deployed in various mas bands on the parade route, however I decided to play mas with Generation X for my 1st experience. I was a bit disappointed when I saw that my Gen X bracelet had a limited amount of drink chits on it. I am not sure the point or reasoning behind that ... I am still baffled?? I guess I’m just spoilt from other Carnivals where you can drink unlimited amounts!!!

Nevertheless, with Gen X you had the option of having a doubles just before the parade started to create a base for all the booze to follow.  Continuing on the food band wagon, later on in the afternoon, chicken pelau was served.

Like all Carnivals around the world, let me tell you ... Miami-Broward ONE Carnival is no different! The music was pumping in all the bands ... you had a variety of DJs on each truck - with each band having probably a minimum of one (1) truck with all the speakers and one (1) truck with all the drinks/food! Another common factor in any Carnival - spectators were taking lots of pics (and home videos - we hope)!!!!!!! I cannot tell you how many people have a picture with me ... will I ever see those pictures?  As a self proclaimed 'Carnival Addict' I'm of the firm opinion that Miami Carnival has a superfragilistic awesome vibe exponentially compounded by all the beautiful women, men, flowing alcohol and all that hot Miami sun blazing on our bodies! **** Always Wear Sun Block ****

Whoop Whoop!!!!! ...... then I saw it ... I had put it on my to-do-list-for Miami Carnival 2010 ... A POLICE CAR!!! With cops having lunch right next to it... YESSSSS!



Oh lord what a blast... within seconds an international crazy bunch of Generation X revellers "attacked" the vehicle as well as the poor cops on duty. To my surprise, they were quite cool about it and even took pictures themselves! That's why I’m so into Carnival, it brings people together, no matter where you from and what language you speak or what job you have … it creates ONE LOVE ... and Miami Carnival is no different!

Moving into the Sun Life Stadium, where the judging point was, everyone was getting on real bad after Gen X handed out large flags in the colors of their sections ... hold up ... standards? When last have you seen mas being played with standards??!! These flags got wine on, swung around and generally abused … LOL ... all I have to say is "PPPPIIIPPEE"!! Hearing “Palance” for the 15th time for the day, and I guess the 200th time during the 2k10 bacchanal year,  it was time to get hyped for the judges in the stadium. Let me tell you, we stretched and warmed up before it was time for our section "Blue Hawaii" to show what we got. The jumping, waving and getting on worked well because our band won "Band of the Year" which made me feel better about the bruises and blisters on my feet!

Oh, one band that must get mentioned is Carnival Nationz Miami. As one bloke (well more than one) said, "Where are the guys in this band?" Fellahs, Carnival Nationz Miami have ONLY woman! All Shapes, All Sizes, All Skin Complexions, All Kind of Wining Style, All Kind of Drinking Style, ... we could go on and on! We even had a pit stop in Natural Freaks Unlimited and well jolly golly bubbly folly ... we felt like we were in Brooklyn ... cause that is what it was ... and well what can we say ... it was being broadcasted all the time ..."I want to see the hands in the air for all the people who know that Miami Carnival is Not Miami Carnival without Brooklyn!!!" Some might debate that, but that is the law and order of Natural Freaks. Oh by the way, it had some mind blowing freaks in that natural band!! *shudders*

Love goes out to Mascots International, Party People Mas, China Mas, Fun Generation, Big & Strong, Wassi Ones & Wassi Babes and all other mas bands for your hospitality on the road.

As usual, Miami Carnival was a perfect way of finishing our 2010 Carnival year, and I will definitely be joining Generation X next year again!

The Mission (and I choose to accept it and anybody who wishes to join us, you're most welcome): To target a Fire Truck in 2011!

-Popot Barbie Juice
"305 Popots Bounce Up And Down ... Let Me Tell Yah That Cures Your Frown!"
(Scorn Juice contributed to this review)

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