As Notting Hill Carnival is approaching swiftly, we’re taking a dive into what J’ouvert is and the history behind the colourful ‘dutty’ event and how Sunday showcases two different versions of J’ouvert
Notting Hill Carnival is one of the UK’s most iconic events, drawing visitors from across the world to West London for a vibrant Caribbean celebration that unites communities. It’s the one time of year you’ll see the streets jam-packed with people from all walks of life, moving to the rhythm of steel pans, soca and reggae.
For many, Carnival means choosing between Sunday’s family-friendly parade or Monday’s adults-only party, usually arriving around midday to soak it all in. But the real action starts much earlier – in fact, on Sunday, celebrations kick off at 6am with J’ouvert.
While J’ouvert is a huge tradition across the Caribbean, many outside the culture don’t know about it – here’s everything you need to know ahead of this year’s carnival, which is set to have new crowd control measures in place.
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What is J’ouvert?
J’ouvert comes from the French Creole phrase “jour ouvert”, meaning “daybreak” or “opening of the day.” In Caribbean communities, it’s usually pronounced “ju-vay.”
The tradition is rooted in Trinidad and Tobago, where pre-dawn celebrations became a space for resistance against colonial authorities trying to suppress Carnival. After slavery was abolished, freed people used music, dance and masquerade as a joyful expression of freedom and cultural pride. Over time, this merged into the spirited, defiant and colourful J’ouvert we see today.
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Think Carnival – but messier. Mas bands take to the streets throwing paint, chocolate, and coloured powder into the crowd. If you’re going, wear clothes you don’t mind getting ruined. The atmosphere is filled with the sweet sounds of steel pans and the infectious energy of soca music, creating an atmosphere that’s pure joy.
You’ll also spot traditional masquerade characters, including those painted black in the “Jab” tradition, a symbolic nod to the history of slavery. It’s a way of honouring resilience – showing how, despite unimaginable suffering during slavery, enslaved Africans preserved their cultural identity and spirit.
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Dutty Mas
Although the official J’ouvert celebrations wrap up by 9am, the fun doesn’t stop there. Later on Sunday, you can still get a taste of the “dutty” spirit with Dutty Mas – a similarly chaotic, vibrant event for those who love the messy mayhem. You can expect splashes of bright paint, bursts of powder and even melted chocolate flying through the crowd.
Whether you’re in it for the history, the music, or just the untamed fun, J’ouvert is a reminder that Carnival isn’t just about spectacle – it’s about freedom, unity and cultural pride from sunrise to sunset.
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