As Told by Ali

It’s that time again! We have just about four months to plan for the GREATEST Summer Festival, Antigua’s Carnival 2024! Will you be there?

There are lots of Carnivals happening in the summer, however, everyone should try Antigua’s festival at least once in their life. The Carnival festivities can last for around two weeks, giving you lots of time to also explore the island and immerse yourself in our rich culture. In this post, I’ll be sharing information to help you plan on attending Antigua’s carnival from – where to stay, bands to play with and post carnival experiences to enjoy.

When is it?

Parade Days: Monday 5th & Tuesday 6th August 2024

Getting There

Getting to Antigua is fairly easy and there’s a variety of direct flights from popular US ports (JFK, MIA, ATL), Canada and London. However, as we all know travel is extremely expensive and it’s best to purchase your tickets well in advance, especially to avoid the Summer price hikes.

Antigua Airport: V.C. Bird International Airport
Code: ANU

Where to Stay?

There are many different accommodation types available on island. Quite a few All-Inclusive resorts exist, but there’s also some budget-friendly options and villas available on Air BnB for you to check out. Here are a few options for consideration which are located around the island. If you’re in a group, renting a vehicle may be an easier option of getting around.

• Colibri Court
• Harbour Island Residences
• Buccaneer Beach Club
• Trade Winds Hotel
• Siboney Beach Club
• Ocean Point Resort
• Lord Nelson Hotel & Residences
• Royalton Antigua
• Hodges Bay Club
• Antigua Village
• Hawksbill Resort
• Blue Waters Resort & Spa

Carnival Schedule

A wide array of events are held during the carnival celebrations, from national events to private fetes/parties.

To get an idea of the private fetes/parties, check out Two6Eight Promotions summer calendar or follow the specific promoters for events you’re interested in. Please note that early bird tickets for some of these events will be going live soon and can be purchased using the Ticketing App.

Fetes to Have on Your Radar:

• Good Morning D’inclusive
• Druesday
• Rise: Paint + Water +Soca (Dj Jime Events)
• Ripple x Tease (Top Shelf Events)
• De Breakfas’ Fete
• Carnival Dreamz (Peer Pressure Promotions)

Which Band to Play With?

We’ve seen a decline in bands over the years, however there are a few selections based on the experience you’re looking for. Myst and Insane are two of the largest bands, whereby Sechuns is new to the scene, and there are a few other smaller bands.

Sechuns The Band

Theme: Elements of Zodiac
Website: sechunstheband.com

Sechuns was one of the first bands to launch back in January and even gave us a in person launch which was a missing touch over the last few years. They’ve released four sections and a Monday wear design. Prices and further information can be found on their site.

Myst Carnival

Theme: Kosmic
Website: www.mystcarnival.com

One of Antigua’s top and largest bands. They launched virtually over the last weekend showcasing five sections and a Monday wear design. This year they are promising an experience which “transcends space and time.” Prices haven’t been released yet, but they’re offering pre-registration for US $100. The site should be live on April 1st and Mas Camp open by April 6th. Costumes can be seen on their facebook and instagram pages.

Insane Carnival

Theme: The Gala
Website: https://www.insanecarnival.com/

Another one of the large bands in Antigua which will be celebrating their 10th anniversary, Insane carnival promises a red carpet experience for 2024 under the theme “The Gala”.

For Carnival 2024, our costumes will take on the identity of a hybrid fashion couture collection. A stylistic interpretation of a carnival Ball!

Insane Carnival

They hosted a virtual launch showcasing 7 sections, Monday wear and T-Shirt mas designs. Registration is 30% of the costume price and they will also have flexible payment options.

Fuze

FUZE:  Linking African traditions to Caribbean Carnival since 2015! 2023 Winner for Antigua Carnival Small Band of the Year and Best Monday Wear.

Theme: Cradle of Civilization
Website: FUZEantigua.com

Xklusive Carnival

Theme: Dessertopia: Sweet Genius
Facebook: Xklusive Carnival

*There may be more bands on the road but these are the ones which I am aware of and have seen costumes from.
*Prices for costumes can be found on the relevant band’s website

T-Shirt Mas Bands

For the opening of carnival there’s an initial parade whereby bands host t-shirt packages for patrons wishing to participate. These packages are more cost efficient than being in costume and still give persons a chance to experience carnival and being on the road. Information on packages hasn’t been released yet, but these are the bands I’m aware of thus far.

• Barefoot Promotions – Theme: Elysium
• Myst Carnival – Theme: Astro
• Insane Carnival – Theme: Fight Cancer
• DumzTree
• Red Hot Nation
• Icons
• Xklusive Carnival – Theme: Toxic Summa

J’ouvert Bands

An integral part of carnival. What’s better than being on the road before the sun comes up? Paint, water, soca, chipping down the road. Honestly, one of my favourite parts of carnival. J’ouvert happens in the early morning before the carnival Monday parade. There are a few bands who sell packages and have an organized route or it’s totally free to be on the side of the streets in St. John’s.

• Project Sync’s Caution
• Chattabox
• Wadadli Brewmasters
• Invaders Carnival

MUSIC

The journey to Antigua’s carnival includes knowing a bit of our soca music which you’d hear in the parties and on the road for the parades. From jumpy to groovy tracks check out this Antigua soca playlist or a mix produced by Dj Quest to get a feel of the music.

Post Carnival Cooldown Activities

After days of drinking rum and dancing through the streets of St. John’s a cooldown activity is a must. Luckily for you, Antigua has 365 beaches for you to choose from, as well as some other activities that may interest you.

• Rokuni – All You Can Eat & Drink Day Pass
• Loose Canon brunch / sundowners
• Prickly Pear Beach Club
• A day on Kai Koconut

For more activities on things to do in Antigua and Barbuda check out my ultimate travel guide to the island and stay tuned for an upcoming blog sharing a weekend itinerary for those looking to enjoy carnival on a shorter stay!

See you on the road!