ANTIGUA CARNIVAL 2023 PHOTOS, VIDEOS AND REVIEW

Breakfast Party

De 268 Breakfast Fete

Concert

Caribbean Melting Pot, Druesday

All Inclusive

Carnival Dreamz

J'Ouvert

Love Paint, Powder & Water? Then RISE Fete – Midnight to 8am on Saturday morning is for you! Antigua's traditional J'Ouvert takes place on Monday morning. Be sure to hit the road for 3AM! TJJ recommends Caution J'Ouvert Band.

Must Do Events

Antigua T-Shirt Mas

Antigua Mas Bands

4Ever Blyss Mas Band
African Gems Mas Troupe
Ali & Associates
Arising Mas Band
Beautiful People Mas Band
Carnival Divas
Colour Revolution Mas Band
Dominica Cultural Express
Dumztree Mas Band
Fantasy 268
Icons Carnival
Insane Carnival (TJJ Recommended)
Jus Friends
Misfitz Carnival
Myst Carnival (TJJ Recommended)
Nava Carnival
Red Hot Nation
Rockers Mas Troupe
Showcase Mas Band
Silk Dust Mas Troupe
Xclamation Mas Troupe
Xklusive Carnival

Duration

Antigua Carnival typically takes place annually during the last week of July and the first week of August. If you can swing it, touch down the weekend before the main carnival week for T-Shirt Mas and fete until Carnival Tuesday... 12 day stretch! If not, we recommend a solid week - Wednesday to Wednesday! This way you can enjoy both the Carnival festivities and the island.

Parade Day / Last Lap

Similar to Trinidad Carnival, Antigua has a two-day jump. Monday is both J'Ouvert and Monday Mas and their Parade of the Bands (Pretty Mas) usually takes place on the first Tuesday in August.

Currency

The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC) but US dollar is accepted throughout their island(s). Exchange rate is approx. US$1 = EC$2.70.

Temperature

The Summer (June to August) months are warmer, with temperatures ranging from 79°F to 90°F (26°C to 32°C). This is the start of the rainy season, and occasional showers or thunderstorms can be expected.

TJJ Recommended Hotel

Our home away from home was The Royalton Antigua Resort. A luxurious all-inclusive beach front paradise on Antigua, offering modern amenities, stunning views, gourmet dining, and a perfect blend of comfort and natural beauty for a memorable Caribbean escape.

Best places to stay

Choosing the best place to stay in Antigua during Carnival depends on your preferences, budget, and what kind of experience you're seeking. Here are some popular areas to consider:

1. St. John's: As the capital of Antigua and the hub of Carnival activities, staying in or near St. John's can be convenient. You'll have easy access to the Carnival Parade, events, and parties. There are various hotels and accommodations to choose from in this area.
2. English Harbour: This area is known for its historic charm and is home to the Nelson's Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a more relaxed Carnival experience and is a good choice if you want to explore historical sites while enjoying the festivities.
3. Jolly Harbour: Located on the western side of the island, Jolly Harbour is known for its beautiful beaches and marina. It's a bit quieter during Carnival, making it suitable for those who prefer a more tranquil stay while still being able to access the festivities in St. John's.
4. Dickenson Bay: This area boasts some beautiful beaches and is a short drive from St. John's. It's a great option if you want a mix of relaxation and easy access to the Carnival events.
5. Countryside Villas: For a more secluded and private experience, consider renting a villa in the countryside. This can provide a peaceful retreat while allowing you to attend Carnival events when you choose.

Keep in mind that accommodations in Antigua can book up quickly during the Carnival season, so it's advisable to make reservations well in advance. Additionally, check the proximity of your chosen accommodation to Carnival venues and events to ensure a convenient and enjoyable experience.

Mobile Providers

There's both FLOW (formerly known as LIME) and Digicel. However, we were powered by inet, the commercial brand of the APUA Telecommunications Business Unit. inet is also a representation of all things local in the telecoms industry for Antigua and Barbuda.

Transport

The best mode of transportation will depend on your itinerary and preferences. If you're staying in a resort and primarily exploring nearby attractions, walking and taxi rides may suffice. Taxis are readily available at the airport and in tourist areas. It's important to negotiate fares with the driver before starting your journey, as taxis generally do not use meters. However, if you plan to explore both Antigua and Barbuda extensively, renting a car or booking private tours might be more convenient.

Flights

To get to Antigua and Barbuda, you can take international flights to the V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU), which is the primary airport serving the twin-island nation. V.C. Bird International Airport is located on the island of Antigua and is the main gateway for travelers arriving by air.

Cost of a 2 Piece Combo

EC$23.50 (US$8.70) for a 2 Piece Chicken Combo. Using our KFC global standard, a 2 Pc. Chicken Combo, which includes individual side & medium drink, cost $5.99 in the US.

Late Night Eats

Antigua and Barbuda has limited late-night dining options. However, there are still some places where you can find late-night eats, especially in the busier tourist areas like St. John's. Look for street vendors or food trucks, you might find local dishes like roti, jerk chicken, or fried fish. You can always find the Jerk Master and KFC both on Old Parham Rd going the extra mile. Luckily for us, The Royalton offered late-night dining options for their guests.

TJJ Favourite Restaurants

When Joy Juice visited in 2018, he recommended
Splif Bar (Shattoos) – Old Parham – Order the Jerk Wings!!!
Denis' Antiguan on Freyyers Beach is a definite, Dearwood Beach Bar where your fries are the best & of course Ocean Point’s in house Italian Restaurant. Make sure you see the manager Guisi (Juicy) – She’s awesome and makes a mean coffee and cappuccino.

Local Food

Definitely try the Goat Water - a traditional and popular soup in Antiguan and Barbudan cuisine. Fungee and Pepperpot.

Local Drinks

Wadadli is a local favourite. A smooth beer that goes well with anything. Antigua is known for producing excellent rum, and English Harbour Rum is one of the most renowned brands.

Alcohol purchase

Duty free is available at V.C. Bird International Airport when you arrive. You can also purchase alcohol from various sources, including liquor stores, supermarkets, duty-free shops, and local markets.