Fiesta!
You'll know when it's carnival time in 1066 Country. Colourful bunting, irresistible rhythms and eccentric costumes make for an uplifting summer.
Rainbow-coloured processions make their way through Hastings and Bexhill bringing a bit of fiery carnival spirit to the seaside. Both carnivals have a theme, which shapes the floats and costumes and makes the procession an eye-catching trail of carefully crafted themed vehicles.
Hastings carnival is part of Old Town Carnival Week, an annual celebration of the quirky charm and rich heritage of this part of town. Nowhere else will you find a bike race up the steepest hill in the Old Town, a pram race, a seaboot race and a fishing boat parade all in the same week!
Carnival week draws a mix of residents and visitors to the Old Town to enjoy the vibrant programme of events and see this historic part of town at its best.
Bexhill Carnival coincides with a big party in a recreation ground. Usually on the Friday before the carnival 'Party on the Polegrove' makes sure everyone is in fine carnival spirit for the next day. Some of the best music acts, games and entertainment make this an unmissable celebration. Carnival day is usually Saturday and the themed procession makes its way through Bexhill and along the seafront, accompanied by music and dance, and raising all-important money for charity along the way.
It is thought carnivals came from the Catholic faith in Italy in the 18th century. Catholics were thought to throw lavish costume parties before Lent, as a final extravagance before giving up meat. They called this celebration, Carnevale - which means to put away the meat. These festivals spread through France and Spain and as these countries made claim on countries in the Americas, the tradition spread to the Caribbean islands. People often associate carnivals with Caribbean and Trinidadian influences and the celebration of everything from nature, harvest and fertility to the struggle for freedom and expression.
Visit our events list for our 2008 carnivals.
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