Carnival, the multicultural festival rooted in syncretic forms of art and expression, observed around the world, with the biggest parties and parades in the Caribbean and Brazil, was celebrated in Oakland on Saturday with music, dance, costumes, food, and a health and wellness component.
The newly renovated Mosswood Park came alive for the 11th annual festival that’s sponsored by the city and several major foundations, and organized by Samba Funk.
Theo Aytchan Williams, the festival’s operations director, recently told the San Francisco Bayview Newspaper why he thinks it’s important for Oakland to host its own carnival: “Oakland has its own voice and its own message. Oakland has a very unique and distinct history, flavor and swag.” The message of health and wellness resources incorporated in Oakland’s festival are key, he said. “For us, Wellness is a revolutionary act. We are reclaiming public space to advocate for Community Wellness, Wellness for Black People and supportive allies are welcome.”
Damari Lawrence leads the Samba Funk drum line at the Oakland Carnival on June 6, 2026, in Mosswood Park. Credit: Miles Cull for The Oaklandside
Xplosion Mas members dance at the Oakland Carnival on June 6, 2026. Credit: Miles Cull for The Oaklandside
Samba Funk members perform at the Oakland Carnival. Credit: Miles Cull for The Oaklandside
Yaffa Sookbirsingh waves the flag of Trinidad and Tobago. Credit: Miles Cull for The Oaklandside
Chris C. came to the event with the flag of Barbados. Credit: Miles Cull for The Oaklandside
Neferttiti Stewart waves the flag of Acadiana, Louisiana’s Cajun Country. Credit: Miles Cull for The Oaklandside
A Samba Funk percussionist. Credit: Miles Cull for The Oaklandside
Capoeira schools from around the Bay Area, including No Balanco D’Angola and Preto Velho, came to the carnival to celebrate their art. Credit: Miles Cull for The Oaklandside
Kofi Glover demonstrates capoeira at the Oakland Carnival at Mosswood Park. Credit: Miles Cull for The Oaklandside
A DJ mixes along the parade route. Credit: Miles Cull for The Oaklandside
Jinga Brazil members dance in the Oakland Carnival parade. Credit: Miles Cull for The Oaklandside
Xplosion Mas members dance during the Oakland Carnival parade. Credit: Miles Cull for The Oaklandside
Romona Nunez and Zakira Juniphant dance during the Oakland Carnival parade. Credit: Miles Cull for The Oaklandside
Costume feathers from an Xplosion Mas dancer lie on the ground after the Oakland Carnival parade ends at Mosswood Park, June 6, 2026. Credit: Miles Cull for The Oaklandside
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Miles Cull is a photojournalist based in the California Bay Area who has covered everything from heated protests to Oregon Ducks games and quiet moments with individuals.