Like many other events around the world, the annual Worcester Carnival had to be cancelled for two years in a row due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But, on July 2, the famous carnival is scheduled to return to the streets of Worcester with a grand parade through the city center, making its final stop at Carnival Village in Pitchcroft.
It is no secret that the pandemic has affected us all – whether it was from an economic or a social perspective. Due to the large and rapid spread of the virus, many social gatherings such as festivals, concerts and sporting events had to be canceled to stop the virus from spreading further. Many people had to be quarantined causing a dilemma of finding other activities to do during leisure time.
One of the most popular activities that increased in interest was online gaming where casinos listed at comparison sites such as Spinsify, received many visitors. But online games on both consoles and computers also gained momentum, and players across the world could contribute to some social interaction – although it would be at a distance. But with more and more restrictions released, events have opened again, and there is a spreading joy across Worcester that the carnival is planned to return.
The carnival
Since 2017, the carnival in Worcester has attracted many visitors to both the parade that flows through the city streets, as well as to the food and drink stalls at the Carnival Village. After two years of breaks from the traditional folk festival, the goal this year is to make it bigger than ever. The theme is nothing less than “celebration”, and the idea behind it is to have an opportunity to celebrate the city and the people living in it.
History of carnivals
From Rio de Janerio in Brazil to Venice in Italy, carnivals have been a popular phenomenon for a long time and is seen as one of the world’s oldest gatherings where people come to celebrate their traditions. It is therefore no surprise that carnivals even in smaller towns attract visitors, becoming a popular event for everyone. Many of today’s carnivals have a history dating back to pagan times, where carnivals were a way to drive out evil spirits, making spring and summer return after long dark months of winter. However, during the Middle Ages, carnivals were instead designed as a mean to let people be free from worries of the day-to-day life and would not seldom go on for longer periods of time. During the past centuries, carnivals have spread across the globe and can be found in even the most surprising places.
But wherever it may be, it is a folk festival that needs to be experienced offering entertainment and celebration. And who would not want, for just some time, let go of the daily worries and have the time of your life?
