Annual West Indian Independence Celebrations

The West Indian Independence Celebrations, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) designated organization responsible for the planning and presentation of the West Indian Independence Celebration, a one-day festival which is held annually in Hartford, Connecticut. The festival includes a street parade and music festival, which showcases and promotes West Indian culture, food, music, and people. The event also serves to connect natives and also future generations of West Indians born in the United States with their heritage.

Schedule of Events:

12:00pm - 3:00pm: Parade

Join us for our 62nd annual West Indian Independence Celebrations Parade which starts 12 noon, at the corner of Albany Avenue and North Main Street in downtown Hartford. Follow the masqueraders to the Carnival Village near the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park.

1:00pm - 6:00pm: Carnival Village

Meet the parade participants and masqueraders after the parade by the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch at our second LIVE stage! There, we will have the judging and trophy and prize presentation for best dance and best costume along with a presentation to our Grand Marshal(s) and other performances.

3:00pm - 8:30pm: Celebrations Concert

Our FREE concert will take place at the performance pavilion stage in Bushnell Park (below the state capital building) and starts at 3 pm sharp!

12:00pm - 8:30pm: Marketplace or Vendors

Food and Drinks Hungry? Plan to visit our food and drink vendors in our marketplace to try authentic Caribbean dishes from Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago and Puerto Rico; just to name a few. Beer will also be available for purchase in our beer garden. Bring cash and or have a debit or credit card ready for smooth and quick transactions   

Arts and Craft vendors will be on site with t-shirts, flags, toys, games, jewelry, souvenirs, paintings, wood carvings, incense, pottery and more.

Bring cash and or have a debit or credit card ready for smooth and quick transactions.