Carnaval de Antigua

Picture this: Antigua Carnival bursts into life from late July right through to the first Tuesday in August, a sizzling evolution from its 1957 Christmas roots.

It all explodes on Saturday with a massive parade rolling through St John’s, where ten vibrant mas bands dazzle in costumes atop colourful floats. Kids steal the show the next day, while Carnival City (the jazzed-up Antigua Recreation Ground) buzzes as the heart of the action.

The week ramps up with epic showdowns: crowning the Carnival Queen, Teen Splash for the young stars, Jaycees Queen facing off Caribbean rivals, and Party Monarch where soca sensations battle it out. Don’t miss the steel pan showdowns and jam bands rocking the crowds!

The real fireworks hit on August’s first Monday with J’ouvert at 4am, brass and steel bands pumping, beer flowing, and wild wuking up dancing lighting up the streets. Jab jabs (fiery devils) get splashed in wild colours, oil, and paint for anonymous mayhem, partying non-stop through the afternoon and night.

It surges back Tuesday around 11am on a fresh route, wrapping with the epic Last Lap, prizes galore and hailing the Road March king.