Every year the Notting Hill Carnival brings together over a million people
They come from the world over although the majority is Afro-Caribbean
A celebration of masquerade as it was performed by emancipated slaves
Slaves were not allowed to participate in masquerades and Carnival
It was the initiation to freedom and a warning to the former masters
Naked, covered in molasses, with horns and chains symbolizing the ‘Jab’
‘Jab’ is the Creole for ‘Diable’ (Devil) Hell for the masters on Judgment Day
Photo Hugh Ardoin The Notting Hill 2019 Carnival Gallery