¡AQUÍ SUENA! In an explosion of colour, music, art, and Caribbean culture, VERBENA CARNAVAL returns to Melbourne on Saturday 2 March 2024 at Preston City Hall. Channelling the energy of Barranquilla’s vibrant carnival celebrations, VERBENA CARNAVAL is a family friendly event of music, dance, art, and culture, powered by El Gran Mono, the first picó sound system built outside the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Curated by Oscar Jimenez of Vibrating Planet and El Gran Mono, VERBENA CARNAVAL offers a unique alternative to the summer Latin festivals held across Melbourne, merging both the rich history of the Colombian picó sound system culture with the energy of one of the country’s most important folkloric celebrations. DJ and live music performances at VERBENA CARNAVAL will be interwoven with dance and theatrical elements, creating a feast for the eyes and one-of-a-kind cohesive show, not seen in Melbourne. El Gran Mono is Melbourne’s own “Golden-era” style picó, painted by the great Colombian sound system artist William “El Maestro” Gutierrez. Do not miss this true taste of Colombian Caribbean culture. BONUS MUSIC RELEASE ‘CARIBE YO SOY’ (I am Caribe!) the debut single by MC Kaiman Jimenez & Kobra 3000 to be played live at Caribe Carnaval. RRR Present VERBENA CARNAVAL Saturday, 2 March 2024, from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM Preston City Hall 286 Gower Street, Preston, Australia Picótero! (DJs) Julia Towers @juliatow Kobra3000 (Carlo Xavier) Emma Peel MORDISCO Aprieta Collective En Vivo! (Live performances) La Descarga with special guest Katira from Amaru Tribe MC Kaimán Jimenez The Wild Ones - Kaimán y Kobra Wendy Nedd Yepes with Selva y Tambó House of Furia Snuff Puppets Tasty food available from Arepa Days VERBENA CARNAVAL is curated by Vibrating Planet and El Gran Mono, with support from Darebin City Council, Bodriggy Brewing, Antioqueño Australia, and MAV (Multicultural Arts Victoria). Under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, and under 5 years admission is free. Ticket purchases are non-refundable. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin nation as the rightful custodians of the land where this event takes place, and that sovereignty was never ceded. We pay our respects to their elders past, present & emerging.