On May 10th, there was a major buzz on social media, as it was announced that 6 bands had left Atlanta-Dekalb Carnival 2022 and moved downtown. Citing a reduction of allowed music trucks on the route, the 6 bands felt they would best provide a great experience downtown with its parade route. These bands include:
What this means for ATL-Dekalb
The Atlanta-Dekalb Carnival parade route was primarily on a state road. Government officials mandated a reduction to 18 trucks on Covington Highway. As a result, many smaller bands agreed to merge with one music truck and one for food, drinks, and other utilities. Below is a list of bands still participating, along with those who have merged:
- Vibez and Vision
- Sokah Feters/Atlanta Junkanoo
- Feter’s Army/ Paradise
- T&T Garage Boys/ Sesame Atlanta/ Classi Waves
- Madd Flava/ Unity Mas Band/ We Live
- Mas Vibez
- Panyarders Mas
- Entice Mas
- AIRS
The parade route has changed. It The ATL-Dekalb Carnival parade route now starts at Covington Hwy near International Roti House 3703 Covington Hwy, Decatur, GA 30032. It will end at 4380 Memorial Drive, Decatur, GA, 30032.
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What this means for (downtown) Atlanta Carnival
(Downtown) Atlanta’s carnival parade has been sparse and will realize its largest carnival event since the split in 2014/2015. Their parade route hasn’t changed. Click here to learn about Atlanta Carnival.
Check out my interview with Chigga, the president of the Atlanta Carnival Bandleader’s Association (ACBA).
Some keynotes:Â
- Masqueraders registered with bands migrated downtown will not attend the Atlanta Dekalb Carnival festival village for free.
- The parade is set to last four hours. It is a requirement that all the mas bands clear Covington Highway in 2.5 hours.
- There have been no changes to J’ouvert.Â
- This year’s carnival may be the last we see on a road. Look for information on a move to a park or stadium.
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