2020: Adapting to a Global Pandemic (Online Carnival)

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 posed an unprecedented challenge to live events worldwide, and Butetown Carnival 2020 had to innovate to survive. Large public gatherings were prohibited during the summer of 2020, forcing the Carnival to cancel its usual street parade and festivities. Instead, organizers pivoted to create an online Carnival experience and limited socially-distanced activities. According to BACA, the team “adapted to provide an online channel and scaled-down public performances” in place of the full event, “showcasing the creativity of the costume makers.”Carnival lovers could tune in from home to watch virtual performances, video compilations of past Carnivals, and online workshops. For example, Radio Platfform curated a special Butetown Carnival Spotify playlist featuring artists who had played the Carnival over the years . On social media, the “Butetown Carnival Online” streamed live music sets by local DJs and singers (such as Cardiff reggae artist Aleighcia Scott performing a tribute set on Facebook Live ), bringing a bit of Carnival vibe to people’s homes.

Despite lockdowns, the Carnival spirit persisted in Butetown itself. When restrictions briefly eased later in the summer, organizers held a small community picnic in place of the usual parade, allowing local families to gather safely outdoors . The Carnival’s 2020 theme was fittingly “Change”, reflecting on the turbulent times and the need to transform . In the lead-up, costume-makers like artist Flow Maugran still created elaborate Carnival characters – such as the “Blue Devil” and “Lockdown Lucy” – incorporating symbols of transformation and resilience . These costumes were designed larger-than-life, intentionally scaled up so they could be seen from afar in case social distancing was required . Photos and videos of the costumes were shared online since an in-person audience was limited. While nothing could replace the atmosphere of the real Carnival, the community embraced this adapted format. It kept alive the annual tradition and gave people a joyful outlet during dark times. The 2020 experience also showcased the Carnival’s ability to innovate: from digital content to smaller local performances, it demonstrated that even a pandemic could not entirely extinguish the “fire” of Carnival . Organizers remained optimistic, treating 2020 as a hiatus of its own kind and planning for a safe return of the full Carnival once conditions allowed.