Photos: Cambridge Carnival International Parade

Soca music boomed from trucks loaded with speakers as the Cambridge Carnival International Parade danced through the city this afternoon.

“It was founded 21 years ago by folks that are from the Caribbean as well as from Brazil,” said Nicola Williams, president of the annual event, which in addition to the parade includes vendors of crafts and international foods. “There was a community that wanted to celebrate its heritage and its culture and share it with the rest of the community.”

Carnival bands (here referring to the groups of masqueraders) included Trinidad & Tobago Social Club of Boston costumed in the theme “Day Dreams and Nightmares”; Boston Socaholics presenting “Sweet Escape”; Soca Associates as the “Fantasy n Unity of Flight”; and D’Midas International Boston representing the “Kingdom of Gold.”

Masqueraders followed River Street, beginning at Putnam Avenue, to Central Square, where they turned onto Massachusetts Avenue and then Main Street as they headed to their destination at Kendall Square.

Most were costumed in feathers, rhinestones, sequins, and glitter. But some appeared as devils like Jab Jab, a hairy demon who marched down the streets with a (rubber) snake around his neck and cracking a whip.