The Champs Elysée in the colors of the Tropical Carnival

The 18th edition of the Carnaval Tropical de Paris was held Sunday, July 7 on the Champs Elysees at the initiative of the City of Paris and the Tropical Carnival Federation of Paris and the Ile de France.

In the early afternoon, more than 2,000 carnivals and 23 groups from the Ile de France and overseas (Guadeloupe, Martinique, French Guiana, Wallis and Futuma …) but also from South America ( Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Peru) have set out on this parade that has become a must since its creation in 2001.

The groups marched for nearly 4 hours from the Champs-Elysée roundabout to avenue George V, in front of the jury chaired by the President of the Carnival Federation of Basse-Terre (Guadeloupe) Fernand Sonor and composed of the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo and her first deputy, Emmanuel Grégoire; the Mayor of the 8th arrondissement, Jeanne d’Hauteserre; former Minister of Overseas and MP for the 15th district of Paris, George Pau-Langevin; Ian Comfort, Carnival Director of Notting Hill; dancer-choreographer-artistic director Leeya; the comedian-influencer-comedian, Tanai alias Cleeveland; the animator TV-C8, creator of MOUVK and sports coach, Kevin Coique; Actress singer and TV host Tina Ly; ADEP Métropole development manager, Marie-Laure Durst; the image enhancement consultant for Miss Guadeloupe 2004, Magalie Grava; the make up artist, leader of Make up Box, Karine Gatibelza and the communications consultant, press relations, musical influencer, Rebecca Marival and other personalities were present to applaud the parade as the head and regional councilor of Ile de France, Babette de Rozières accompanied by her husband or the actress Firmine Richard .., after a half-turn, the troops went down to the tribune of the jury that awards prizes including the Grand Prix du Carnaval Tropical. The theme chosen this year was « Paris Carnival Folly ».

It was once again for the few thousand spectators, the opportunity to marvel at the costumes in the shimmering colors of the different countries represented and to escape to the sound of drumming Bèlè, Ka, Sub or rouleurs mixed with konn lambi , steel pan, bass drums but also to the rhythms of the chacha. All the Carnival figures, traditional dances (biguine, mazurka, piké, djouk, samba …) and other Afro-Caribbean and Latin American performances have rubbed shoulders.

The 2019 Carnival Queen, Julia, had the privilege of opening the parade surrounded by the 2019 King, Julio, 2019 Queen Mother, Louisette and the 2019 Mini Queen, Shana, accompanied by the Cocoshine’s group dancers and first and second runner-up of the Queen.

The « Royal Family » was followed by the following 23 groups:

1.ADOM, 2.Association Cumbia (IFC) -Colombia, 3.Azulinha, 4.Bagay Ka Brennen (BKB), 5.Bloco of Paris, 6 and 7 Caporales San Simon (Bolivia), 8.The Golden Dancers , 9.Estampas del Peru, 10.Ethnick97, 11.Fedasbol (Bolivia), 12.Kafraternity, 13.Karaib’Vibe (Strasbourg), 14. Kreyol’ys, 15.The Royal Family / Cocoshine’s, 16.Lanmen Keyrol, 17.Makavelik Mass, 18. Lyberasyon Mas, 19.Malaka Sisters, 20. Paname Mass, 21.Pirouli Band (Guadeloupe), 22.Tropikana, 23.Golden Roll / ADOM.

At the end of the parade, the jury revealed the name of the winner of the Grand Prix of the City of Paris, it is about the group « Tropikana », also laureate of the Best Parisian costume. For the best guest costume, « Pirouli Band » is the winner. « Adom-Roulo d’Or » won the Federation Prize and the Bolivians of « Caporales San Simon », the prize for Best Guest Group. « Golden Dancers » wins 2 awards, Best Tank and Best Samba School, as well as « Kreyol’ys » who has won the Best Cashier and Better Choreography titles. The awards ceremony will take place in September.

See you next year during the first weekend of July for the 19th edition with many more surprises.

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VERONIQUE YANG

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