The Georgia Caribbean Carnival
Development Committee

("GCCDC"), is an organization whose sole purpose is to produce the Caribbean Carnival street festival here is Dekalb County. Our mission, though lofty, is precise and direct. It states: The mission of the Georgia Caribbean Carnival Development Committee (GCCDC) is to produce, manage and showcase authentic, traditional Caribbean Carnival - our unique form of street theater - as a means of preserving this legacy for all Caribbean peoples in the State of Georgia while promoting and educating about the Caribbean Region. Carnival is the street parade. It is the desire of GCCDC to bring this form of street theater to Dekalb, the most diverse county in Metro Atlanta and home to the largest population of Caribbean people in the region. Carnival is more than just a big Caribbean party. It is a breaking down of artificial barriers of society- like class, race and wealth. It is a celebration of spiritual emancipation. Additionally, music plays an important part in creating such an exciting atmosphere. Visitors and participants to this street parade will hear calypso, which is a form of traditional music from Trinidad and Tobago; soca, an offshoot of calypso; reggae, a traditional Jamaican musical style; and the beats and rhythms of many other Caribbean islands; and the more characteristic sound of Carnival, the steel pan, the only instrument in the world invented post- 19th century. An essential ingredient of the Carnival is the aromatic and globally unique foods that are impossible to resist. Finally, vendor with arts and artifacts from the Caribbean and the Diaspora, add to this lively and festive atmosphere. We welcome your support and participation and the opportunity to express our culture, diversity and dedication to the enrichment of Dekalb County, the City of Stone Mountain and the surrounding areas of our community.

Sincerely,

Sharon Britt

President