Cambridge Carnival in Massachusetts, is one of twenty-four North American Caribbean-style carnivals that combine wire-bending, costumes, masks, music, steel pan, street-parades, dancing, food and craft exhibits, to display the diverse cultures of all the countries and Caribbean islands, where transplanted Africans were placed.
Since its inception in 1992, Cambridge Carnival has grown from a small street fair to one of the most spectacular events in Cambridge and the Greater Boston area. This growth led to, in 2005, a change in venue from Central Sq. to its new home in Kendall Square.
Entertainment:
Music: Main stage at Kendall Square. 2007 Confirmed live music bands include: Hot 8 Brass Band (New Orleans Jazz), Zili Roots (World Music), Ilibash (Reggae) Santa Mamba (Latin Music), Samba Tremeterra, Brazilian Cultural Center (Brazilian), Tropical Fire (Soca), and Nancia (R&B). DJ Illabash will be featured in the youth section of the festival site (corner of Broadway and Main Street).
Parade: Sunday afternoon parade starting from River Street passing Central Square to Kendall Square. The parade route will span 1.5 miles and passes through Cambridgeport, Central Square, and Kendall Square. It starts at Blackstone Street and River Street, continues up River Street, and onto Massachusetts Avenue in Central Square. From Central Square, it continues down Massachusetts Avenue to Main Street into Kendall Square.
Street Closings: Main Street will be closed from Vassar Street to Broadway and Ames Street from just pass the MIT Hospital to Broadway will be closed from 7am- 10pm. Main Street will be closed from Mass Avenue (Central Square) to Vassar Street from 8am- 8pm.
River Street will be closed from 12:30-4pm for the parade. Massachusetts Avenue will be closed on the North side from 12:30-4pm for the parade.
Public Transportation: The event can be accessed by public transportation via the MBTA red line. The parade starts near the Central Square T-stop on the Red Line. Take the MBTA stop Kendall Square for the festival site.
