Times Square was transformed on Sunday, Aug. 24, into a cultural playground as the Brooklyn-based Caribbean cultural group Tropicalfete hosted its 4th Annual Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival, drawing what the group said was over 10,000 people from around the world.
“The event wasn’t just a party, it was a bold showcase of culture, unity, and pride, bringing together the sights, sounds, and spirit of the Caribbean while embracing the diversity of all communities,” Alton Aimable, Tropicalfete’s St. Lucian-born founder and president, told Caribbean Life.
“From the very start, the energy was unstoppable,” he added. “Revelers proudly waved their flags high—Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Guyana, the U.S., and more, proving that this carnival was a celebration for everyone, everywhere.”
Aimable said the Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival in Times Square was “created to preserve, showcase, and elevate Caribbean culture on one of the world’s biggest stages.
“By bringing carnival to the crossroads of the world, Tropicalfete highlights the power of the arts to unite people of all backgrounds,” he said. “This year’s cast was unforgettable.
Aimable said the cast comprised, among others: Universal Soul Circus; Trinidad and Tobago Police Steelpan Orchestra; featured artists: Queen Saucy – Denise Belfon & Violin Queen – Mapy; Empress Cece (Soca Fitness Workout); Quake USA (folklore presentation); Boom Boom Room TT Rhythm Section; Jab Jab Family & King Jab; Mas bands: Sugar Candy Mas, Branches Mas, Eve Production, Big Boy Productions, Kaios International; Tropicalfete’s Steelpan Ensemble, Stilting Unit, Mas Presentation, and Carnival Queen Costume; DJs: Spice, Sniper Kid, and Eric; and hosts DJ Vibesman Redman and Katherine V. Charles, Esq.
Aimable said, “the performances fused tradition and modern creativity, steelpan beats, moko jumbies towering over the crowd, dazzling mas costumes, and electrifying soca that had everyone dancing in the streets.”
He promises that next year’s Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival in Times Square will be “bigger, better, and louder than ever before.”
With even more cultural presentations planned, Aimable said his organization is “committed to keeping the heartbeat of the Caribbean alive and visible for all.
“Stay tuned, bring your flags, bring your costumes, and get ready for Carnival 2026,” he said. “It will be unforgettable.”
