Did you know that the dance style Kompa originated in Haiti? Well, if you attended the Caribbean Students Association’s (CSA) 2024 Carnival you would know this and many other fun facts about the Caribbean’s diverse culture from their opening game of trivia. CSA held its annual Carnival on April 6 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. CDT on Alumni Lawn. In addition to trivia, the event had its annual limbo and whining competitions as well as a variety of dance performances.

This year’s Carnival theme, “The Tropics,” underscored the event’s focus on highlighting all things Caribbean culture.

Carnival is a celebratory period before the 40 days of Lent, a Christian practice of fasting and prayer. Carnival, similar to Mardi Gras, is a jubilant time that features dancing, parades, feasts and various cultural influences from around the world. Many attribute the origin of Carnival to Trinidad and Tobago in the 18th century. The practice has spread across the Americas and continues in parts of Europe today.

At Vanderbilt, Carnival has become a staple for many students.

“Carnival is great!” senior Mina Mohammed said. “I’m African, but I love Caribbean culture and Carnival. The weather was great, and it’s always a fun time.” 

Multiple other students remarked on the “good vibes” that the event brings. Indeed, smiling students were all around on the sunny Saturday, eager to play the variety of games Carnival had to offer.

Many students made their own fun with groups attempting a game of volleyball with large beach balls strewn about Alumni Lawn. By the end of Carnival, students turned to chasing each other around in intense water gun fights.

Many Caribbean and non-Caribbean students alike seemed to appreciate the event as a time to enjoy friends and good food as well as learn about the diversity of the Caribbean.

“I like eating, so I like to experience other cultures through food,” junior Daniel Obi said. “Eating oxtail and jerk chicken has been a novel experience for me, and I want to come back next year.”

While Carnival has come to an end, the entertaining event has been another successful showcase of the Caribbean diaspora at Vanderbilt.