The sky above Miami lit up with the colors of the Trinidadian flag as a crowd roared in excitement. The rhythmic beats of soca music filled the air, but for one couple, this moment was about to change their lives forever. Beneath the dazzling drone display, Paris knelt down, ring in hand, and asked the question that everyone held their breath—”Will you marry me?” The cheers could be heard from blocks away, and in that moment, love became the heart of Miami Carnival. But no one heard her answer. Videos of hundreds of people went viral on Social Media trying to find the couple.

For Paris and Shivani, Carnival isn’t just a festival—it’s where their love story began. Their viral proposal in 2023 added a new chapter to the centuries-old tradition of Carnival, blending vibrant culture with a modern love story that has captivated thousands online. This year, as Miami Carnival celebrates its 40th anniversary, the couple returns to the place where it all started, adding even more significance to their journey.
A Tradition of Culture, Celebration, and Unity
Miami Carnival is one of the biggest cultural events in the United States, drawing participants from all over the world who come to celebrate Caribbean culture, heritage, and the spirit of unity. Established in 1984, this vibrant festival has become a major attraction for Caribbean nationals and anyone who appreciates the colorful, high-energy celebration of life that Carnival represents. Every year, during the Columbus Day weekend in October, Miami transforms into a Caribbean paradise, where the streets are filled with dazzling costumes, pulsating music, and the infectious rhythm of soca, calypso, and reggae.
Rooted in the traditions of the Caribbean islands, particularly from places like Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados, Miami Carnival has evolved into an inclusive event that brings together people of all backgrounds. Its roots trace back to the pre-Lenten celebrations of European settlers, which were blended with African, Indian, and indigenous influences over centuries. What emerged was a joyous celebration of freedom, resistance, and cultural expression. Miami Carnival, like its counterparts in Trinidad, New York, and Toronto, offers a space for the Caribbean diaspora to reconnect with their heritage while sharing it with the broader world.
A Melting Pot of Cultural Expression
At the heart of Miami Carnival are the Mas bands—groups of revelers who don elaborate, handcrafted costumes designed to reflect the beauty and history of Caribbean culture. Paris and Shivani played Mas with Gen X, one of the most popular bands in Miami Carnival, known for their vibrant costumes, innovative designs, and energetic performances. “The experience of playing Mas is indescribable,” Shivani says. “You feel the energy of the crowd, the music, the colors—it’s like stepping into another world where everyone is united in celebration.”
From J’Ouvert, the dawn party where revelers cover themselves in paint and powder, to the grand parade that stretches through the streets of Miami, the festival is an explosion of creativity, art, and sound. Soca music, with its fast tempo and uplifting beats, keeps the crowd moving as masqueraders dance from sunrise to sunset. “Soca is more than just music—it’s a way of life,” Paris explains. “It’s the heartbeat of Carnival, and it brings people together like nothing else.”
Beyond the parade and parties, Miami Carnival also hosts a variety of cultural events, including steel pan performances, culinary showcases, and concerts featuring the biggest names in Caribbean music. It’s a celebration that spans days, where each element—from the food to the music—represents a piece of the Caribbean’s rich and diverse history. For the Caribbean community in Miami and beyond, Carnival is not just about having fun; it’s a time to honor their ancestors, celebrate freedom, and share their culture with the world.
Paris and Shivani: A Love Story Born in the Heart of Carnival
For Paris and Shivani, Carnival will always hold a special place in their hearts. Paris had been attending Miami Carnival for years before he met Shivani in 2021. Playing mas, enjoying the festivities, and soaking up the vibrant atmosphere was nothing new to him—but when he spotted Shivani, everything changed. “I saw her, and I just knew I had to meet her,” Paris recalls. “The energy of Carnival is unlike anything else, and it gave me the courage to approach her and ask for a picture.”
Their initial interaction was brief, but as fate would have it, they reconnected through social media two weeks later. From texting to FaceTiming every day, Paris and Shivani quickly formed a deep connection, despite living in different states. “Carnival is about bringing people together, and that’s exactly what happened to us,” Shivani says. “We went from strangers sharing a quick moment to being in each other’s lives every day.”

The following year, in 2023, their love story reached its peak during the Miami Carnival when Paris proposed in a moment that went viral. After a day of dancing, laughing, and celebrating, Paris led Shivani to a spot where drones lit up the Miami sky with the words, “Will you marry me?” For Shivani, it was the surprise of a lifetime. “I looked up, and at first, I didn’t get it,” she recalls. “But when I saw Paris kneeling with the ring, it all clicked. I couldn’t help but burst into tears—it was perfect.”
And she said “YES”.
Carnival’s Spirit of Love and Celebration Lives On
As Paris and Shivani return to Miami Carnival this year, they do so as a reminder of the magic that can happen when love, culture, and celebration come together. Miami Carnival is not just a festival—it’s a living tradition where stories like theirs unfold against the backdrop of vibrant colors, contagious energy, and the universal language of music. “Carnival is where it all began for us,” Shivani says. “We’ll always be connected to it, not just because of our love story, but because it’s a part of who we are.”
While their wedding plans are temporarily on hold due to personal reasons, Paris and Shivani continue to celebrate their journey together. “We’re taking our time to plan the perfect wedding,” Paris explains. “For now, we’re just enjoying every moment, and Carnival is the perfect place to do that.”
Paris and Shivani’s story serves as a testament to the power of the festival here in Miami to unite people in joy, love, and cultural pride . From a simple picture request to a viral proposal, their love story has become intertwined with the tradition of Carnival itself, reminding us all that amidst the music and revelry, anything is possible—including love.
For more info see the Miami Carnival Schedule: https://miamicarnival.org