Jamaica Carnival 2023 Video Coverage (TJJ TV)

Carnival In Jamaica Road March 2023 - Part 1

Sunday 16th April 2023

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Carnival In Jamaica Road March 2023 - Part 2

Sunday 16th April 2023

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Carnival In Jamaica Road March 2023 - Part 3

Sunday 16th April 2023

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Carnival In Jamaica Road March 2023 - Part 4

Sunday 16th April 2023

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Sunrise Breakfast Party 2023 - Part 1

Saturday 15th April 2023

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Sunrise Breakfast Party 2023 - Part 2

Saturday 15th April 2023

(Kingston, Jamaica)

WI FETE Jamaica - Machel Montano and Friends

Saturday 15th April 2023

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Viva La Carnival Jamaica

Saturday 15th April 2023

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Caribbean Airlines Welcome Home - Carnival in Jamaica 2023

Friday 14th April 2023

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Soca Brainwash Jamrock 2023 "Samba"

Friday 14th April 2023

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Bacchanal J'Ouvert 2023

Friday 14th April 2023

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Frenchmen Blocko 2023

Thursday 13th April 2023

(Kingston, Jamaica)

Kes the Band Live Kingston Jamaica

Thursday 13th April 2023

(Kingston, Jamaica)

SUN RUM FUN Cruise 2023

Sunday 9th April 2023

(Ocho Rios, Jamaica)

Frenchmen Rise Up Brunch Cooler Party 2023

Saturday 8th April 2023

(Ocho Rios, Jamaica)

CARNIVAL IN JAMAICA 2023 PHOTOS, VIDEOS AND REVIEWS

» Photo Galleries » Carnival » Jamaica » 2023

 

Carnival in Jamaica... The Good Ole Days.

Last year, Carnival in Jamaica was in July and it was a scorcher, literally. So it was great to be back on the rock in the month of April for Easter Weekend like "the good ole days" to get the carnival celebrations going. Frenchmen usually delivers our first party, Rise Up, at Pearly Beach in beautiful Ocho Rios. But the main mission is always operation SUN RUM FUN! And I can safely say, mission accomplished. There was Sun (for the most), no shortage of Rum (and other selections) and lots of FUN. The swim stop was just icing on the cake. I absolutely love this cruise and was stoked to be back.

 

Although there were non-stop events happening daily (yup, no sleep for the wicked - see full event listing), we decided to sit it out Monday to Wednesday. Again, like "the good ole days", be sure to enjoy the island and it's offerings outside of all of the fetes. Jamaica is full of tasty food and rich culture. I could eat eat anything 'Jerk' or Curry Goat and Rice everyday!! However, fried lobster & fish at Hellshire Beach is still in my Top 3 things to do when in Jamaica. And this is exactly what we did! We also enjoyed lots of our favourite seasonal fruits, in particular Pommerac (Jamaicans call it Otaheite Apple) and Governor's Plum (Hog Plum). We bought some fruits from the fruit stand. Roots from the roots man (Shaggy voice).

 

Wednesday night we resurfaced on the party scene at Kooler Babe, and then once Sawa Juice arrived on Thursday, it was full steam ahead until Road March on Sunday. Unlike Trinidad Carnival where we go H.A.M, we did an average of two events per day, and they all satisfied our Carnival needs. When it comes to All Inclusives and service, Jamaica is right up there.

 

This year Bacchanal Jamaica and Xodus Carnival joined forces on the road and it reminded me of the magical times when everyone played mas in the same band (Bacchanal Jamaica 2009 to 2016). The nostalgia was too real. In fact, some revellers told us they had a much better road experience in Jamaica than Trinidad this year. Agree?

 

Since we arrive early (Good Friday), we usually fly out on the Monday following Road March. This is the same as leaving Trinidad Carnival on Ash Wednesday. In a perfect world, it's not recommended. Your body either wants R&R or to continue the pump, not go home! Especially when there are several Cool Down events taking place. In comes the Carnival Tabanca as they call our flight to board. Fifteen years later, Carnival in Jamaica is still one of my favourite Destination Carnivals.

 

Peace, Love, Carnival and Jungle Juice-ness,
The Carnival Ref aka Bad Since '89

We Love Carnival ... We Know Carnival ... WE ARE CARNIVAL

 

CARNIVAL	Carnival in Jamaica
TJJ RECOMMENDED EVENTS
Breakfast Party	Rise Up Breakfast Beach Party, Sunrise Breakfast Party
Concert	Kes the Band in Concert, Wi Fete (anything Machel Montano)
All Inclusive	Frenchmen's Bazodee All Inclusive
Drinks Inclusive	Soca Brainwash Jamrock
Cooler Party	I LOVE SOCA Jamaica, Duck Work Jamaica
Cruise	SUN RUM FUN (@sunrumfun), aFLOAT Soca Cruise (@afloatsocacruise)
J'Ouvert	There's no official J'Ouvert for Jamaica Carnival. However, all roads lead to "Bacchanal J'Ouvert" on the Carnival Friday night. This is a J'Ouvert party which then moves unto the streets of Kingston in the early hours of the morning. New comer GenXs Jamaica introduced their J'Ouvert on Saturday morning. For an alternative J'ouvert concept, Caesar's Army hosts their ever so popular A.M.Bush Jamaica edition.
Must Do Event	SunNation Sunrise Breakfast Party
Jamaica Mas Bands	Bacchanal Jamaica | @bacchanaljam GenXS Jamaica Carnival | @jamaicacarnival Yard Mas Carnival | @yardmascarnival Xodus Carnival | @xoduscarnival
GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration	You can get there Thursday/Friday and leave on Monday/Tuesday and completely satisfy your carnival appetite. But if you can do longer, definitely come the weekend before to experience the full 10 day stretch of events starting in Ocho Rios on Good Friday.
Parade Day / Road March	The parade of the bands called "Road March" takes place every year on the Sunday following Easter Sunday.
Currency	1 USD = approximately 152.95 JMD (as of April 2023). Get Jamaican dollars! Although USD is accepted island wide, the exchange rate will vary depending on where you shop and who you are. Having Jamaican currency can save you up to 50% in most cases. BTW, despite what the ATM says, you’re not a millionaire! $22,000 Jamaican dollars in your wallet might make you feel cool, but it’s not going to impress any ladies.
Temperature	Tropical. Hot, Humid, temperate interior. 27-30° Celsius, 81-86° Fahrenheit
TJJ Recommended Hotel	The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel | IG @jamaicapegasus
Best places to stay	The carnival and activities are mainly based in Kingston; New Kingston to be more specific. As with any trip, the few extra dollars spent on safety and comfort are always worth it. We recommend Spanish Court Hotel, The Jamaica Pegasus, Courtyard by Marriott Kingston or Courtleigh Hotel & Suites or the proverbial "By A Friend". For a more personal abode, check out our the Knutsford Court Hotel. Be careful if going the Airbnb route, we've heard some horror stories.
Communication / Mobile Providers	Get a Jamaican sim card. The rates are that much cheaper than roaming. There's Digicel, Flow, LIME, Cable & Wireless and a couple others. We usually go with Digicel.
Transportation	A car isn’t necessary, but we always get a rental for the convenience. Avoid dodgy streets when using Waze or Maps. A rule of thumbs, stay on the busy travelled main roads. FYI, the steering wheel is on the right side of the car and you drive on the left hand side of the road. If you stay in New Kingston area, you're a taxi ride away from most events. However, get the rate before the trip or you might get the "tourist rate". Uber is now in Jamaica! US$6 for a short drop surely beats US$40.
Flights	Your goal is to fly into Kingston (KIN), but don’t be afraid fly into Montego Bay (MBJ). It's a 2 hour 19 min (170.5 km) via A1 and Hwy 2000 drive from Mobay to Kingston. Be sure to enjoy Club Kingston - VIP Airport Lounge on your way out.
FOOD AND DRINKS
Cost of a 2 Piece Combo	$900 JMD / $5.86 USD. Using our KFC global standard, a (Meal Deal) 2 Pc. Chicken Combo, which includes individual side (Fries) & medium drink, cost $5.99 in the US.
Local Food	Hellshire Beach is located near Portmore, Jamaica and famed for its fried fish. If you're a seafood lover, you’ve got to visit Hellshire. See Hellshire Travel vLog.   Some of our favourite jerk spots across the island are Scotchies (branch in Kingston closed down), Lyming At Walkerswood, Ocho Rios Jerk Center, Sweetwood Jerk Joint, SoSo Seafood Bar & Grill and Kingston Jerk.   Of course, you need to be sure to get a patty from the Tasty franchise. They all over the island.
Local Drinks	If Appleton Rum is what you're drinking, ask for it by VX for the regular stuff or Reserve for a step up (order from lowest to highest is Special->VX->Reserve). The locals swear by Wray & Nephew Overproof Rum and Ting! They guarantee no hangover.
Late Night Eats	Always walk around with $2000 JMD (2023) so you can destroy some Pan Chicken ($800 JMD) when the party done or when you get the late night munchies. KFC is always an option.
TJJ Favourite Restaurants	Aunt May's or Aunt Merl at Hellshire Beach – Get the fried garlic Lobster! Lyming At Walkerswood – Jerk pork for the WIN. Triple Tz Eatery – Jamaican cuisine. Golden Bowl Restaurant – Awesome Chinese food.
Alcohol purchase	Grab your supplies duty free at the airport when you land in Jamaica
FOLLOW CARNIVAL IN JAMAICA
Instagram	@carnivalinjamaica
Facebook	facebook.com/carnivalinjamaicaofficial
Website	www.carnivalinjamaica.com

Note: TJJ Recommends Events, Food, Mas Bands and Hotels based on where we have been and the services we have used. For events, we recommend the ones with a vibe of 9 or higher.

 

Advice to Carnival in Jamaica Virgins:-

1. Do the full 10-day stretch! Easter Friday to the Monday following Road Mach. If you're able to pump on the Monday, there are a few Cool Down parties. It's worth every penny!
2. Jamaica gets better every party. Unlike Trinidad Carnival where everyone is open and friendly from day one, Jamaican's are more receptive once they get to know you. Appreciate making new friends; that's a great aspect of carnival.
3. Enjoy the island and it's offerings. The beaches of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay & Negril are spectacular. Visit Blue Hole (Ocho Rios), RIck's Cafe (Negril), Frenchman's Cove (Port Antonio), Strawberry Hill, Blue Mountain, Appleton Estate Tour and the Bob Marley Museum. Stock up on local fruits. Eat fresh lobster & fish at Hellshire Beach.
4. Free UP at Road March. The parade route is long so take your vitamins and stay hydrated. Pay attention to the DJ’s, stay within the security ropes and always look out for truck trailer wheels. Leave your valuables at home – the mas bands are All Inclusive – walk with minimal cash and secure your phone and cameras (especially from rain).
5. As Dr. Ram Dass stated back in 2009, wining on the same person for too long (or too short) can send the wrong message. A Trini wine is very different from a Bajan wuk up, which is also different from a Jamaican wine (or dagger) .... Enjoy sampling the variety!

 

Disclaimer: Professional and experienced TJJ Fet-a-lot-athon® Party Gurus have rigorously tested these Carnival grounds and are providing said recommendations based on the fundamentals that the audience is a healthy rum drinking islander. If while performing any of these actions you begin to feel any dizziness, fatigue or pain please stop and consult your physician immediately.

 

>> Carnival in Jamaica 2022 Coverage
>> Carnival in Jamaica 2019 Coverage
>> Carnival in Jamaica 2018 Coverage
>> Carnival in Jamaica 2017 Coverage
>> Bacchanal Jamaica 2016 Coverage
>> Bacchanal Jamaica 2015 Coverage
>> Bacchanal Jamaica 2014 Coverage
>> Bacchanal Jamaica 2013 Coverage
>> Bacchanal Jamaica 2012 Coverage
>> Bacchanal Jamaica 2011 Coverage
>> Bacchanal Jamaica 2010 Coverage
>> Bacchanal Jamaica 2009 Coverage

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Trini Jungle Juice: Destination Carnival - TV Show

 

Carnival In Jamaica 2023 - Road March with Xodus and Bacchanal Jamaica (FB Live)
Bacchanal J'Ouvert 2023 - Nailah Blackman and Skinny Fabulous live performance (FB Live)
Trini Jungle Juice - SUN RUM FUN Cruise 2023 (FB Live)

 

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