Miami Broward Carnival expected to bring economic boost

Miami, Florida – Carnival is a celebration of Caribbean culture, offering a variety of food, masquerade bands, and bright costumes.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced all Carnival events to be canceled in 2020.

Due to the possible spread of coronavirus among children, this year, Junior Carnival was also canceled. A number of local businesses are still trying to bounce back.

According to local entrepreneur Shelissa Johnson who runs a business that produces marketing material for Carnival bands and other groups, with Kiddie Carnival being canceled this year, local businesses are feeling the impact.

“There’s absolutely no profit right now. We are not able to produce our costumes or sell them,” Johnson said. “There is no parade. And, that is really the heart of Kiddie’s Carnival.”

During the pandemic, she has found a way to survive by using the simple act of networking and “word of mouth” advertising.

“When I saw that COVID was happening and things were a lot harder to get abroad, like marketing material, I started reach out to people,” she said.

Johnson’s happy things are slowing getting back to normal. She’s been able to keep her business going by selling personalized masks, cups and banners.