Carnival brings island vibes to Tallahassee

By Diamond Postell
Outlook Writer

The booming sound of Caribbean music blasting through the opened doors of “Tastee Turkey Leg” restaurant was the first clue that something with an island theme was happening.

Get closer and the sign at the entrance spelled it out: Tallahassee Caribbean Carnival was taking place. 

The event was produced by Seymour Thompson, who grew up in the US Virgin Islands participating in carnival. With assistance from his brother, Halford Thompson, and the community, he is on a mission to keep the culture of carnival alive in Tallahassee.

The weekend event, which featured a parade among the highlights, ended a hiatus caused by the pandemic. Fittingly, Thompson titled the event the “rebirth.” 

“We are trying to create a Tallahassee carnival,” Thompson said. “We are inclusive to anyone who wants to experience what carnival is like.”

Following the opening of an entertainment village last Friday in a huge lot at the rear of the restaurant, an all-night jouvert party took place.

An all-white breakfast party Saturday was planned as a prelude to the parade later in the day.

It concluded with last-lap, an all-day party on Sunday.

Carnival is celebrated differently in the Caribbean and other countries. Two of the best known carnivals are held in Brazil and Trinidad-Tobago.

Parades are the highlight of each carnival. Better known as playing mas, parades allow participants to show off their talent in costumes. 

All of that was on display last Saturday, despite inclement weather. Never mind it was a mini version of a parade.  Participants wore vibrant costumes, even the stilt walkers that are known in the islands as moko jumbie.

Island Buzz, a North Florida-based band, provided music for the masqueraders. Tiffany Brown, leaders of Island Buzz, traveled from Jacksonville for the festivities.

“I want to help build the community stronger,” said Brown, a FAMU grad. “(Communities) interested in our culture should get the experience.” 

Despite intermittent showers, third-time masquerader Kabreanna McNealy of Chattahoochee, Fla., wasn’t bothered by the rain. 

“To get the carnival experience, this is the closest one,” McNealy said. “I decorated my costume so the rain will not stop the good time.” 

Even before the parade got underway, the crowd eagerly anticipated what was to unfold. 

It was a captivating afternoon as participants danced by spectators in costumes designed with stones and feathers.

As the rhythm of the music fueled the “waistlines” of the masqueraders, some in the crowd waved flags representing their island counties. 

The parade looped around the parking lot in front of the former Movie Eight theater off Sharer Road, giving spectators a close up view. 

Witnessing the event brought back special memories for Kamaria Belneau. 

“My husband proposed to me during the first annual carnival,” she said, “so my family looks forward to coming to Caribbean events hosted in Tallahassee.”