Caribbean carnivals—festivals that are extraordinary examples of street and community theatre, can be an exciting way to introduce Iowa students of all ages to community life and cultures here in Iowa and around the world. Caribbean style carnival can be found throughout the Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Africa, Indonesia, and the United States.  Individuals of all walks of life, from children to the very old, collectively create carnival costumes, carnival music, carnival dance, for carnival parades.  Through visual narratives enacted in each parade each year carnival participants tell stories of their lives, histories, fantasies, art, and cultural values.  Carnival is a community art form that builds communities and reflects community values in the most exciting ways possible. Carnivals, past and present, have often been conduits for social transformation and celebrations of community diversity.  Both teachers and students can benefit from learning about carnival and carnival making and the ways that all aspects of this art form can be used a teaching and learning tool with the potential to enrich community life everywhere.