The Tropical Carnival celebrated its 20th anniversary at Charlety Stadium

The Tropical Carnival of Paris was back on July 4, after a year of absence. Scheduled for Sunday February 14, 2021 and canceled for health reasons, the 2021 edition celebrated the 20th anniversary of the event at Stade Charléty (75013).

On this occasion, fifteen groups from the West Indies, Guyana and Latin America marched in a festive way. The thousand participants wore flamboyant costumes for a unique show, bringing the last 20 years to life.

A giant screen broadcast images of the parade, including the final performances of each competing in front of the jury.

Sanitary restrictions

A vaccination certificate or a negative test of less than 72 hours was required to enter the stadium.

A gauge authorized 5,000 people in the stadium bleachers. The public was in one of the three seating areas defined by the organization. A space of 2 seats separated the groups (families – friends).

Origin of the Paris Tropical Carnival

The Paris City Hall initiated this event in 2001. Since then, the venue has changed several times, the latest editions being on the Champs Elysées. In 2020, the carnival was canceled following the covid-19 pandemic. This is why the festivities took place at Charlety stadium, in order to avoid crowd movements and the spread of the virus.

The choice of the Charléty stadium is no accident. He had already hosted the Carnival, 20 years earlier. In addition, the City of Paris sports complex has been a major place for Parisian sport since its construction in 1939 south of Paris.

An emblematic place, it marks the start of the Olympics for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A specialized jury selected the troops. No theme imposed this year, it was the imagination and creativity that prevailed. The best received an award in their category.

He also appointed the members of the new royal family (King, Queen, Mini-Queen and Prince).

20th anniversary

Unmissable event in the Capital, the Tropical Carnival celebrated its 20th anniversary with joy and good humor, despite a few drops of rain. A special occasion to celebrate the return to life after this long period of gloom linked to the pandemic.

Like every year, the City of Paris has supported the initiative which has evolved over the years. Anne Hidalgo spoke before cutting the ribbon and launching the festivities. In her speech, she greeted all the participants and hoped to return next year to the Champs-Elysées. She thanked the overseas and ultramarines for « the joy of living and the desire to share their culture which makes us who we are today ».

The anniversary show was of high quality thanks to the commitment of the City of Paris and the Fédération du carnaval tropical de Paris et de l’Île-de-France. The best troops were present. Groups from Île-de-France offered original choreography, costumes and music.

The Guyanese group « DOKONON » of which Hendy Chocho is the singer, opened the parade. He preceded the newly elected « Royal Family ».

Bolivian and Peruvian groups represented Latin America while samba schools accompanied Brazilian rhythms.

The rewards

For this 20th anniversary, an honorary prize rewarded the consistency of those who marked the Carnival. The awards have also distinguished personalities for their involvement over many years. The election of the royal family took place on June 26. The vote was on the internet. Here are the results:

Queen: Carine
1st Runner-up: Laetitia
2nd runner-up: Kayleen
3rd runner-up: Esther
King: Médérick
1st Dauphin: Laurent
Queen Mother: Edwine
1st Runner-up: Jakeline
2nd runner-up: Claudette
Mini-Queen: Léane
1st Runner-up: Noelya
2nd runner-up: Léana

About The Author