Atlanta Carnival postponed due to COVID-19

For the second year in a row, the Atlanta DeKalb Caribbean Carnival has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

“Tens of thousands of people usually come to Stonecrest each Memorial Day weekend to celebrate Caribbean culture, but they’ll have to wait until 2022,” the paper said on Monday.

“The event typically attracts more than 20,000 participants and has been an annual tradition since 1988,” it added.

The Journal-Constitution said while other DeKalb cities have begun to reintroduce in-person events at the end of May, Stonecrest city leaders are hesitant that now is the right time for large gatherings.

“The city remains cautious in its approach to resuming and permitting these activities,” said Stonecrest in a statement. “With a focus on public health as its guide, the city is developing a plan for resuming special events and festivals on city-owned and public property.”

After Brookhaven announced plans for a large “post-pandemic” summer block party, Stonecrest Mayor Pro Tem George Turner said he thought they might have “jumped the gun a little bit” with their plans, according to the Journal-Constitution.

It said carnival organizers confirmed the event, previously scheduled for May 29, has been postponed.

The organization only stated “postponed” on its website without providing details.

However, the Journal-Constitution said organizers are removing flyers and updating online promotions for the now-canceled event to avoid crowds.

“We appreciate the community’s patience and understanding as we move safely towards pre-pandemic activities and continue to work together to be a world-class city,” the paper quoted the carnival group as saying.