Notting Hill Carnival

If you're in London during the last weekend in August, head to Notting Hill for two days of Caribbean-style partying! Organised for the first time in 1664, this carnival allowed locals to celebrate the culture and traditions of the Caribbean. During the years 1970-1980, this carnival was scene to many fights between young immigrants and police. Today, the Notting Hill Carnival is a place of celebration with parades in the streets full of dancers and samba schools along with calypso, soul, reggae, and hip-hop music. Again, it's at the end of August (it is actually a Sunday and a Monday, holidays for our English friends).