About Us

COOJI - Carnival Organization of Jacksonville, Inc. was founded in 1998 as a carnival costume producing band and taking part in the then Jacksonville Caribe Street Festival and parade.  Our presentation "OUT OF THIS WORLD" placed 2nd. This presentation  was also part of the band CARRIBBEAN INSIGHT of Miami.

In 1999 COOJI presented to the City of Jacksonville at the Jacksonville Caribe Street Festival and parade "TOGETHER AS ONE" featuring colors of the Caribbean nations and the USA and was judged 1st. place, Band of the Year.

In 1999 COOJI joined the International Caribbean Carnivals Association (ICCA). COOJI was asked by (ICCA) to consider introducing a Caribbean style carnival in Jacksonville which after much research COOJI decided to go for it.

The 1st Jacksonville Carnival "On The Beach" was held on Saturday 13th October 2000 at the beautiful Jacksonville Beach Seawalk Pavilion, in the city of Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The Jacksonville Carnival "On The Beach" is held weekend annually on the 3rd. weekend in October. Now known as Jacksonville Caribbean Carnival since changing location to downtown Jacksonville at Heming Plaza in 2003 and now to our current location at Metropolitan Park since 2005. Each year the carnival gets bigger and brighter, we extend a welcome to you to be a part of this year's festivities.

Our Mission

The Carnival Organization of Jacksonville, Inc. (“COOJI”), is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness, understanding, open dialogue regarding, and appreciation of Caribbean people and culture on the First Coast. 

COOJI aims to:

• Provide a forum to showcase and promote Caribbean owned businesses and professionals on the First Coast
• Promote Caribbean art, dance, music, theater, and cuisine on the First Coast.
• Establish a scholarship fund to provide academic scholarships to students of Caribbean descent on the First Coast.
• Provide education and information on the various Caribbean nations including history, current day-to-day life, and opportunities for individuals and businesses on the First Coast to develop cross-cultural relationships within these nations.
• Be recognized by the City of Jacksonville as a leader in the community bringing individuals together and promoting  multi-cultural awareness.

COOJI:

• Host an annual Caribbean style carnival and parade each year.  COOJI invites participation from various cultural groups, high schools, colleges, and civic organizations around the First Coast.  The Carnival parade showcases costumes from around the Caribbean, native dance, and the sweet sound of calypso and steel drums heard throughout the Caribbean.  The Carnival parade culminates in a Festival in the park featuring live bands, cultural performances, and vendors providing food, and showcasing artwork, music, and various other goods.  Jacksonville’s carnival is becoming one of Florida’s most well known Caribbean carnivals, drawing participants from around the state, Georgia, and other Eastern Coast states.
• Participates in World of Nations sponsored by the City of Jacksonville.  COOJI’s members provide information on their various countries and showcase food and art from around the Caribbean.
• Provides forums for people of Caribbean origin and those interested in the culture to come together for dialogue and to get to know one another in an environment open to the exchange of ideas and opinions.
• Host events showcasing Caribbean artists.