The Carnival & Soca Season

Carnival celebrations, encompassing Brazilian, Caribbean, and Caribbean-inspired events, occur globally throughout the year.

• Pre-Lenten Carnivals: These, like those in Trinidad & Tobago, Brazil, and Malta, culminate in parades on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.
• Other Carnivals: Many are fixed to specific dates, such as:
  • Leeds West Indian Carnival & Notting Hill (London, UK): August Bank Holiday Monday
  • Zomercarnaval (Rotterdam, Netherlands): Last weekend in July
  • Kadooment Day (Barbados): First Monday of August

The Soca music season is intrinsically linked to Caribbean carnivals. New tracks are released leading up to Trinidad & Tobago Carnival, with release dates shifting based on Ash Wednesday. The season typically begins in September, with “Road Mixes” (for Road March competitions) arriving the week before parades..