The traditional pre-dawn J'ouvert celebration marked the start of the 60th Notting Hill Carnival in west London on Sunday 30 August 2026, with revellers covered in oil, paint and powder taking to the streets.
The event, whose name comes from the French phrase jour ouvert, meaning opening of the day, saw participants throw paint and flour during the early-morning street celebration. Photographs from the event show crowds dancing, posing for pictures, and a tour bus navigating through the throng.
J'ouvert Traditions and Imagery
As part of the J'ouvert tradition, participants cover themselves in oil and wear horns and chains, with several revellers photographed wearing horned helmets and oil. The visual spectacle of paint, flour and oil-covered carnival-goers is a hallmark of the celebration, which serves as the opening act of the main carnival events.
The carnival, which first took place in 1966, was established to foster community cohesion after racial violence towards the local West Indian population. This year's event marks the 60th anniversary of that founding, adding historical significance to the weekend's festivities.
Expected Attendance and Impact
The carnival is expected to attract more than 1 million revellers over the August bank holiday weekend, according to organisers. The event remains one of London's largest cultural gatherings, drawing participants and spectators from across the city and beyond.
The 2026 edition continues the carnival's tradition of celebrating Caribbean culture in west London, with J'ouvert serving as the energetic prelude to the main parade and music events scheduled later in the day.
