MAIN Travel USA Massachusetts Boston Cambridge Carnival

The Cambridge Carnival started out in 1992 as a relatively small Boston street fair located in University Park in Cambridge.

Since then, it has become a well known and much celebrated event, and has grown to become the largest festival of any kind of the Cambridge area, as well as being one of the biggest public street parties in all of New England attracting some 100,000 visitors annually.

The Cambridge Carnival is based on similar events in Brazil and Trinidad and Tobago, which in turn have roots in the mixing of Caribbean and African cultures dating as far back as the 17th century.

Those attending the Cambridge Carnival can look forward to a festive and colorful atmosphere at the mile-long annual street parade, as well as a huge variety of costumes, Caribbean food, music, dancing, and the easy mixing of diverse cultures very akin to a Mardi Gras celebration.

The Cambridge Carnival is also a very family-friendly event, traditionally featuring two stages with live music, DJs, as well as a KidsFest zone. Both the Open Air Circus and the Children's Museum help contribute to KidsFest, which tries to educate children about prominent international cultures that continue to thrive in the Boston area.

The Cambridge Carnival draws on its ever increasing popularity to draw participants from everywhere. Northeasterners feature prominently, but people from all across North America as well as international visitors often make it a point to attend while on summer holiday.

More about the Cambridge Carnival around the Web:

Cambridge Carnival - The official site with the complete festival and parade schedule, entertainment lineup, travel guide and directions, photos.

Cambridge Carnival on Flickr - Dozens of visitor galleries with colorful images from carnivals past.

also see -> Boston's Irish Heritage Trail | Boston Street Fairs & Festivals

Brooklyn Carnival Parade | Massachusetts Fall Foliage