The Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Bandleaders Association, Inc. (ACCBA) celebrates an impressive turnout for the 2012 Atlanta Caribbean Carnival. Yes, Atlanta Carnival came and left that quickly! Atlanta Carnival 2012, the 24th edition, went off without a hitch. Kudos to the executive board members over at ACCBA including Patricia Henry, President, Karen Cline-David, Secretary and Junia Blackburn, Public Relations. Also, a very special shout out to Gary Charles who always ensures that the parade runs smoothly! It takes a lot to pull off a successful, well organized, punctual and SAFE carnival!
Carnival day was bright and sunny and carnival goers couldn’t ask for a more beautiful day. The parade route was packed with carnival enthusiasts, photographers, kids of all ages and some gawkers as 30 masquerade, marching and steel bands, groups and organizations displayed their beautiful masquerade costumes and musical talents. Yes indeed, Atlanta Carnival is ‘Mas and Music’!
The event brought together two staples of Caribbean-style Carnival: Mas, the culturally-expressive art form of creating beautifully decorated costumes; and Music, as expressed through steel bands, DJs, and musical artists. Following the parade, tens of thousands gathered inside the festival village to enjoy the offerings of food and craft vendors, and were entertained by performances by some of the Caribbean region’s top acts.
For the first time ever, I decided to play mas!I played with Prizm Mas (led by Junia Blackburn) and had a blast! Since I was in the masquerade band this year, I got a different perspective and appreciation for all the hard work, talent and creativity involved with organizing a troupe to “play mas”!
If you were at the Atlanta Carnival, RCS would love to hear from you. How did you enjoy the Carnival? Let me know!
Carnival results of the various competitions during the 24th Atlanta Carnival Season are listed below:
2012 Parade of Bands Results:
Band of the Year – We Kind A Ting
2nd Place – Paradise Carnival Troupe featuring Mocko Jumbies R Us
3rd Place – Thunderbirds USA
2012 King & Queen of the Band, and Best Individual Competition Results:
King of the Band, Madd Colors, Sparta (1st Runner Up – We Kind A Ting)
Queen of the Band, We Kind A Ting, Goddess of the Sea (1st Runner Up – Thunderbirds USA)
Best Male Individual, Calabash Alley, The Wizard (1st Runner Up – Calabash Alley)
Best Female Individual, Madd Flava, Flavalicious (1st Runner Up – Paradise Carnival Troupe)
2012 Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Pageant Results:
Junior Miss, Zakiya Thomas, 13, Trinidad & Tobago
Queen, Norna Augustave, 22, Haiti
2012 Atlanta Caribbean Children’s Carnival Results:
Children’s Band of the Year – United for Haiti
2nd Place – Classi Waves
3rd Place – Thunderbirds USA
For more information please contact Junia Blackburn at pr@atlantacarnival.org or (404) 452-6570.
About ACCBA
The mission of the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Bandleaders Association is to promote a broader understanding and deeper appreciation for Caribbean culture by seeking the interest of Atlanta Caribbean carnival groups and using the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival as a vehicle for the promotion of Caribbean culture among the broader Metro Atlanta community.
