All About J’ouvert

J’ouvert is a traditional festival that originated in Trinidad nearly two centuries ago. Today, it’s widely celebrated throughout the Caribbean islands. Traditionally, J’ouvert is celebrated in the early morning on Monday, before Ash Wednesday. It’s frequently seen as a “kick-off” to Carnival celebrations. Many modern J’ouvert celebrations span multiple days before the start of Carnival. Like Carnival, J’ouvert celebrations involve bright colors, costumes, music, and parades. J’ouvert attire is traditionally homemade and features blue and red devils, as well as classic mas characters and outfits.

J’ouvert “break of day” celebrations are rooted in 19th century Canboulay festivals, in which formally enslaved people gathered for traditional masquerades, stick fighting, calinda dancing, and singing. Those traditions were eventually incorporated into Trinadad’s Carnival celebrations. Historically, J’ouvert started around 2 AM on the morning before Carnival and lasted until mid-morning. It involved African-derived percussion and dancing through the streets, often in mud or devil costumes. As J’ouvert spread throughout the West Indian islands, different regions adopted their own customs to celebrate the start of Carnival. Early 20th century immigration brought the first J’ouvert celebrations to the U.S. Areas like New York, Miami, and southern California saw their first J’ouvert events in the early 1970s. Today, the popularity of J’ouvert continues to spread, carrying on the proud traditions of the Caribbean people.

Major cities around the world host massive J’ouvert events. In Brooklyn, New York, J’ouvert attracts over 100,000 celebrators every year to dance and parade. London’s Notting Hill neighborhood has been home to a massive annual J’ouvert celebration since 1996.

People of all races and cultures come together to celebrate J’ouvert every year. Although the costumes and music have changed over the years, the spirit of J’ouvert remains the same nationwide.

J’ouvert is for everyone! If you want to participate this year, follow J’ouvert Nation on social media and sign up for email updates. We host lifechanging J’ouvert events throughout the Caribbean and U.S..

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