Thousands of local residents are celebrating D-C’s 17th annual Caribbean Carnival...

Jessica Forres took in some of the festivities…



Music blares as Micah James and her family walk around the baseball field in Banneker Recreation Park …. where vendors are selling Caribbean food and reggae music. She lives in Maryland, but is originally from the island of Grenada. She says carnival is a celebration of her culture.

WE HAVE CARNIVAL IN GRENADA AROUND AUGUST WHICH IS UPCOMING AND YOUKNOW IT ALSO CONNECTS US WITH BEING BACK HOME.

Chris Toussaint is originally from Trinidad and Tobago. He helped organize the two-day festival....starting with a parade down Georgia Avenue.

FOR THE FOLKS WHO LIVE IN THIS COMMUNITY, THEY HAVE GROWN TO LOVE ANDSOMETIMES HATE THE CARNIVAL BECAUSE WHEN WE COME DOWN THE AVENUE ITTENDS TO CREATE A LITTLE BIT OF TRAFFIC.

He says the festivities end at 7pm.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News