The Caribbean is the unofficial home of carnival. 

Carnival is tied to our history and is an integral part of our culture, fusing deep-rooted connections to Africa, Europe, religion and freedom with more recent traditions and rituals. 

If you’re a carnival fan, the region is the perfect place to party for days. Most islands have an annual street celebration, and each one has a different flavour. 

Want to know more about our carnival traditions and history? Yello has you covered. Let’s go to Antigua and Barbuda’s ‘greatest summer festival.’

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The first official Antigua carnival was staged in August 1957. It featured floats, a queen show, and a calypso competition which was won by Samuel ‘Styler’ Ryan. Gloria White was crowned the first queen. 

Before this initial event, Antigua held annual Christmas festivals featuring masqueraders, food, and music, but a summer street party was not introduced to the island until 1953 to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

Following the success of the summer festival, the organisers decided to continue offering a national carnival to commemorate Emancipation Day and attract tourists during the low season.

Today, Antigua’s ‘greatest summer festival’ takes place over 13 days from the end of July into August.

It features plenty of high-octane activities, including pageants, concerts, a T-Shirt Mas, calypso competitions, and several fetes with infectious Calypso music and creative, colourful costumes.

The action culminates on the first Monday and Tuesday in August with J’ouvert, several street parades through St John’s, and events at Carnival City at the Antigua Recreation Ground on Factory Road.

Sources: Visit Antigua and Barbuda, Antigua Nice, and BBC News.

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