Jab Jab parade marks cultural tradition at Notting Hill Carnival

The Jab Jab parade is a distinctive tradition within London’s Notting Hill Carnival, serving as a visual and symbolic representation of Caribbean heritage. The procession features hundreds of participants who wear devil horns and coat their bodies in motor oil.

Originating from Grenadian and Trinidadian folklore, the Jab Jab figure historically represents a demonic entity. In the context of the carnival, the practice has evolved into a symbol of liberation, resilience, and the shedding of oppression. Participants view the masquerade as a vital way to preserve and pass down their cultural identity within a diaspora context.