What is Masquerade?

Masquerade has transcended the shores of Africa to Notting Hill via the Americas. It a form of visual storytelling which the African slaves bound in the Americas used to mock their slave masters and maintain their cultural traditions. 

Today, Masquerade has evolved in many ways from the techniques to build the costumes to the costumes displayed at Carnivals throughout the world.

In this section, learn about the dialect in the glossary which is commonly used by Masqueraders as well as the peoples from the West Indies.

Visit the site again to get more information on how to get involved and the key contributors to Notting Hill Carnival.