Last weekend, we went to St Pauls in Bristol to celebrate the annual St Pauls Afrikan Caribbean Carnival. It was our first time as a family and as individuals and none of us really knew what to expect, but we had such a great time that we have already decided that we will be back next summer. 
St Pauls is a part of Bristol that often gets negative press due to it’s multi-cultural background and the problems that can come with it, but the community managed to make visitors forget about the stereotypes that surround their neighbourhood.
Young and old, no matter from which cultural background got together to celebrate St Pauls and its different faces and what a celebration it was. 
It was loud, it was energetic and it was vibrant.
It was colourful, cheerful and a mix of traditional and modern art and music.
Nations from Bolivia to Jamaica presented their culture with colourful costumes and dance.
They highlighted the United Kingdom as their new home. 
They pulled off a parade how I have never seen one before.
Sports, music and art worked hand in hand and provided the masses with hours of fun and entertainment.
Dancers lined the streets and literally danced their socks off – I really don’t know how they did it in the heat.
After the official St Pauls Carnival parade, many of us gathered around Portland Square for some live music and food.
Little ones enjoyed the shade and a quick lunch…
… or chewed on a balloon that they purposely popped earlier on. 
We felt the vibe of the Caribbean and queued with hundreds for traditional Jamaican meals like…
… homemade jerk chicken with rice, beans and salad – absolutely divine! 
We danced to reggae and live music from the community stage. We listened to young local talents…
… and made friends with the people around us. But most of all, we learned that stereotypes are just the fear of getting to know something or someone new.
We aren’t afraid of the unknown, we thoroughly enjoyed our day at St Pauls Carnival and will be back next year, when St Pauls celebrates multiculturalism and variety for the 43rd time.
Did you go to St Pauls carnival? What did you think? If you live somewhere else in the UK, do you have any comparable events local to you?
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Wonderful photos of an impressive looking carnival. Makes our local village Carnival I am just blogging for Country Kids look very village country like. Love all the costumes and colours.
Apparently it is the biggest carnival of its kind in the UK. Very very impressive what the community has put together!
looks like a great carnival, very lively!
This looks fantastic! We have one similar near us, I would love to take Sophie
Looks great, now Bristol is just down the road, will have to make the effort next year (I used to love Notting Hill). Never knew that St Pauls had such a big carnival. Thanks.
we have the luton carnival but I want to try the St.Pauls Party
Looks like a fantastic day in the sunshine. There is a similar event in Luton every year but it always seems to rain!