Tropicalfete Presents Its 5th Annual Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival in Times Square
A Free Celebration of Caribbean Music, Culture, and Heritage Featuring Soca Superstar Rupee and International Violinist Mapy.
NEW YORK, NY — Tropicalfete, Inc., with the generous support of official event sponsor NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, proudly announces its 5th Annual Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival in Times Square. This free, family-friendly event will transform the “Crossroads of the World” into a vibrant showcase of Caribbean music, dance, and artistic expression. The celebration takes place on Sunday, August 30, at 1:00 PM along Broadway (between West 46th and West 47th Streets). Attendees are invited to wear carnival costumes, wave their national flags, and celebrate the rich diversity of Caribbean culture.
Hosted by Vibes Man Redman and Katherine Charles, Esq., the event features an exciting lineup of acclaimed performers, headlined by legendary Billboard chart-topping soca artist Rupee.
Born Rupert Clarke, Rupee made history in late 2004 as the first Barbadian-born artist—and one of just two soca acts, to reachthe Billboard Hot 100 with global hit, “Tempted to Touch,”which was later Certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. Rupee’s catalogue of soca anthems also includes “Jump,” which has won Road March titles (the song judged to be most popular) at Caribbean carnivals in Boston, Brooklyn, Miami, Toronto, and at Barbados’ Cropover.
In addition to Rupee’s groundbreaking accomplishments as a soca artist, he’s also recognized as one of the first Caribbean celebrities to speak openly about HIV/AIDS. After losing both of his parents to AIDS in the 1990s, Rupee witnessed firsthand the intense stigma that accompanied the disease in the regionand felt compelled to speak out, to foster education and dismantle shame. Rupee’s advocacy eventually led him to work alongside the United Nations, the LIVE UP campaign (a Caribbean regional media initiative), and other global organizations to reshape public perceptions.
Rupert “Rupee” Clarke will be honored at the Tropicalfete Pop-Up Carnival by city and state officials for his contributions to Caribbean culture through music and his courageous advocacy for HIV/AIDS awareness. During the event, Mr. Clarke will receive a Mayoral Certificate of Recognition from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office. He will also be awarded a Proclamation on behalf of the New York City Council, issued by Speaker Julie Menin, Deputy Speaker Dr. Natasha Williams, and Council Members Shahana Hanif, Rita Joseph, Crystal Hudson Farah Louis, and Mercedes Narcisse, tentatively presented by Council Member Chris Banks. Additionally, New York State Senators Zellnor Myrie and Roxanne Persaud will present him with a State Proclamation, while Assembly Member Brian Cunningham will recognize him with a New York State Assembly Proclamation.
Tropicalfete’s Pop-Up Carnival’s non-stop entertainment schedule will also include a performance by Mapy, “The Violin Queen.” Born on Réunion Island, raised in Paris and now based in Brooklyn, Mapy delivers electrifying performances that blend classical violin with Caribbean rhythms and hip-hop beats. Her impressive resume includes performances at the Grammy Awards, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the St. Kitts Music Festival.
Carnival masquerade traditions from all over the Caribbeanrepresenting traditional, folkloric, ole (satirical), and pretty maswill also be highlighted. Participating mas bands include:
a. Ron & Rhonda – taking us through a musical journey of Calypso and Soca hits, including some of their originals
b. Spice Island Shortknee
c. Jab Jab Family
d. King Jab
e. Sugar Candy Mas
f. Branches and Associates Mas Band
g. Big Boy Productions Mas Band
h. Kaios International kids Mas Band
i. Wicked feters
j. And more!
Tropicalfete Steel Pan Ensemble comes to light up Times Square with an unforgettable set of high-energy. The ensemble will be joining forces with Soca superstar Rupee performing together with one of his songs Give Thanks which is a special treat for the audience. Tropicalfete Stilting Unit and Mas will also be bringing the color, movement, culture, and excitement of Carnival to the heart of New York City.
Attendees can also look forward to a high-energy soca fitness workout with Mandy and a performance by the dynamic rythem Section – Riddim Explosion. DJ Patrick and DJ Eric will provide the recorded musical selections.
The Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival has become one of Tropicalfete’s signature cultural events, attracting thousands of residents, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts each year. Through music, dance, and interactive performances, the event celebrates Caribbean heritage while promoting education and community engagement.
“Tropicalfete’s Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival continues to unite communities by bringing the energy, creativity, and traditions of the Caribbean directly into the heart of New York City,” said Alton Aimable, Executive Director of Tropicalfete. “As we celebrate our fifth year, we invite everyone to experience the sights, sounds, and spirit of Carnival while embracing the diversity that makes our city so unique.”
Event Details
Event: 5th Annual Caribbean Pop-Up Carnival in Times Square
Date: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Broadway between West 46th Street and West 47thStreet, Times Square, New York City
Admission: Free and open to the public
About Tropicalfete
Tropicalfete, Inc. is a Brooklyn-based nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Caribbean arts and culture through music, dance, education, and community engagement. Through year-round programs serving youth and adults, Tropicalfete provides opportunities for cultural enrichment while strengthening communities through the arts.
For additional information:
Media Contact:
Shan O
Phone: (646)504-3383
Extension: 743
admin@tropicalfete.com
ceronne@tropicalfete.com
