The Notting Hill Carnival kicked off with a vibrant display of colors on Sunday morning as partygoers gathered in west London for J’ouvert.
Starting at 06:00 BST, this inaugural event preceded the children’s parade, as the streets became a canvas for vivid paints and powders.
J’Ouvert, which translates to “daybreak” or “the opening of the day” in French Creole, signals the commencement of the Carnival festivities throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.
Later that Sunday morning, the parade will unfold, followed by a variety of sound systems and live music performances.
The celebration will extend into Monday with the adult parade, along with additional live stages and sound systems.
On both days, a moment of reflection will occur with a 72-second silence at 15:00 to honor the 72 lives lost in the Grenfell Tower fire, as well as other individuals who have tragically died during the Carnival over the years, including Kelso Cochran, whose murder in 1959 played a significant role in inspiring this event.