Carnival within the Caribbean is a assured good time. In the event you’re trying to have a trip that’s a mixture of exploration and enjoyable, merely head to the tropics to take part in a single these many carnivals. Costume up in your carnival finest, dance by way of the streets, and reside life unbound!
On this article on the Sandals weblog:
Carnival history
Masks and mythical characters
Big business
Caribbean Carnival Path 2023:
November/December
January
February
April
May
June
July
August
September
Carnival safety tips
Look stunning for Carnival
A little bit of Carnival historical past
For Caribbean islanders, carnival is a time to let unfastened. It’s thought-about a judgement-free time, significantly for conservative islands with a powerful Christian background.
Carnival developed out of an appreciation for the Caribbean’s tradition and African ancentry. Revelers have a good time victoriously to honor the emancipation of once-enslaved folks within the area.
Photograph credit score: John de la Bastide/Shutterstock.com
Carnival within the Caribbean may be traced again to Italian Catholics in Europe. The early ‘Shrovetide’ celebrations of those settlers later unfold to French and Spanish colonialists, who then introduced the traditions to Caribbean islands like Trinidad, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Haiti, Martinique, and others.
Masks and legendary characters
Masks and legendary characters kind an important a part of the carnival expertise within the Caribbean. The masks, costumes, and indulgences throughout carnival instances all have spiritual roots. These features are symbolic of a sort of reversal ritual, which permits for typical spiritual guidelines or norms to be damaged forward of a strict Lenten quick. That is largely a Catholic custom.
Photograph credit score: David Pou/Shutterstock.com
There are a selection of carnival characters that each one have their very own tales rooted in traditions and folklore of the islands. Saint Lucia’s djab djab, Dominican Republic’s El Diablo Cojuelo, Trinidad’s Child Doll and Bookman are traditional examples. There are various others all through the islands, and their tales range.
Characters can usually be seen throughout the carnival parade (also called Mas) in full-body costumes that may be eccentric and considerably horrifying. Every character has its personal story to inform, so it’s value discovering out all you may about them whereas on the island.
Know earlier than you go: ‘Taking part in Mas’ merely means dancing by way of the streets in a costumed carnival band. It’s a time period you’ll hear usually throughout carnival celebrations, so it’s good to know!
Huge enterprise
Carnival could also be a cultural expertise, however additionally it is large enterprise for the numerous bands that take part yearly, occasion promotors, costume designers, and each different particular person in between. Many islands report elevated customer arrivals throughout the carnival season, and resorts are sometimes stuffed to capability. There’s normally a schedule of smaller occasions that precede or observe the principle celebrations, so in the event you’re travelling to any of the islands throughout their carnival season, you are in for a world of leisure.
Insider tip: It’s a good suggestion to e book your tickets and lodging early to ensure availability throughout the carnival season.
Photograph credit score: John de la Bastide/Shutterstock.com
The Caribbean Carnival path
This record consists of a few of the hottest carnival occasions within the Caribbean, in addition to some lesser-known festivals, which may be simply as enjoyable. Understand that carnival dates may be modified attributable to climate and different elements.
November / December
Saint Kitts Carnival
J’ouvert: December 26, 2024
Grand Parade: January 1 – 2, 2025
Saint Kitts, the bigger and extra populated of two island nations (Nevis), is understood for its lush rainforests, seashores of white, grey, and black sands, and naturally, its carnival celebrations. Carnival in St Kitts, also called Sugar Mas, usually begins from the second week of November, and spans till the primary week of January.
There’s a packed schedule of actions marking this celebration which incorporates sundown cruises, jouvert, calypso and soca competitions, magnificence pageants and extra. The grand parade normally options colourful carnival bands parading by way of the streets to the sounds of candy soca music!
Good to know: J’ouvert (or jouvert) is a carnival road celebration that occurs within the early morning hours, normally on the day earlier than the principle carnival parades. It’s a pre-carnival celebration that usually options revelers dancing with t-shirts and shorts representing their band of alternative. Artistic t-shirt designs are inspired, and paint, powder, and dust and all a part of the deliriously, messy enjoyable.
Photograph credit score: RaksyBH/Shutterstock.com
Image: Boy celebrating Sugar Mas in Saint Kitts.
Montserrat Carnival
December 16, 2023 – January 1, 2024
This competition begins in December and ends in January. Throughout this time, Montserrat comes alive with its largest competition for the 12 months. This can be a lesser recognized occasion, however it is vitally well-liked significantly for home-comers to Montserrat who fled the island after the Soufrière Hills Volcano eruption. The love for house regardless of circumstance may be seen on this occasion, as folks come collectively and have a good time life.
Saint Croix Crucian Christmas Carnival
December 18, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Held in Saint Croix, this occasion which unfolds late December to early January has all of it. Round this time, look forward to finding actions all around the island of Saint Croix, as a part of this competition which merges Christmas and carnival in a really fascinating method.
Bahamas Junkanoo
December 26, 2023 & January 1, 2024
Incessantly in comparison with ‘Kakamotobi’, the Fancy Costume Pageant of Ghana, Junkanoo celebrations in the Bahamas are bigger than life. Yearly on Boxing Day (December 26) and New 12 months’s Day (January 1), the attention catching competition takes to the streets and options costumed revelers, themed music, and a great deal of leisure. The parade may be seen on the streets of downtown Nassau between 2am and 10am. Probably the most superb a part of this competition is how simply the massive parade and charming beats handle to get spectators off their ft, and into the celebration!
Insider tip: Whereas the principle parade is held in Nassau, you can too get a really feel of Junkanoo on Grand Bahama Island, The Exumas, Eleuthera, Habour Island, The Abacos and Bimini.
Photograph credit score: jo Crebbin/Shutterstock.com
Image: Junkanoo parade in Nassau, the Bahamas.
Turks & Caicos Junkanoo Bounce Up
December 31, 2023 – January 1, 2024
In the event you’re on the lookout for a very good time in Turks and Caicos, Junkanoo is an efficient decide. Happing throughout the stunning islands of Turks and Caicos, this occasion is understood for being a parade of power. The Junkanoo parade held on January 1 consists of horns, drums and revelers in bejeweled masks, and handmade costumes dancing into the wee hours of the morning. This competition pays tribute to African music and dance.
Searching for a spot to remain? Undoubtedly try Seashores Turks & Caicos (all-inclusive resort in Turks and Caicos).
January
Aruba Carnival
January 1 – February 21, 2024
Aruba’s Carnival is the last word celebration of the 12 months. Carnival celebrations on this island positioned on the ABC chain usually characteristic Antillean “tumba” music, metal bands with a mixture of pulsating salsa beats, marching bands, and extra. In line with the natives, ‘you haven’t lived till you’ve been to Aruba’s carnival’, and the island’s two-month lengthy carnival calendar (beginning in January) backs up that sentiment!
Photograph credit score: Iryna Karbovska/Shutterstock.com
Image: Carnival parade in Aruba.
Bonaire Carnival
January 6 – February 21, 2024
A go to to the ABC islands is incomplete with out testing what Bonaire has to supply. As a part of its carnival providing held in February, in Bonaire you’ll discover music festivals, parades, and different conventional carnival rituals. The burning of ‘King Mono’ is symbolic on this land, which signifies all of the impurities that should vanish earlier than the Lenten quick begins.
Photograph credit score: Anna Krasnopeeva/Shutterstock.com
Image: Carnival parade in Bonaire.
Saint Martin Carnival
January 13 – March 22, 2024
You may have one of the best of each worlds in Saint Martin, an island which is each Dutch and French. The island is a melting pot of cultures, and for a small island, it’s considerably extra developed than others in the identical class. Most individuals are unaware of this, and for that purpose, carnival on this territory is underrated. With a fast-growing leisure scene, the occasion is rising in reputation. Carnival festivities within the French aspect of Saint Martin usually begin in February and finish early March.
February
Most carnivals in February occur simply earlier than Ash Wednesday. The basis of this scheduling has spiritual connections, however in current instances, these festivals have taken on a lifetime of their very own.
Trinidad Carnival
February 15 – 22, 2024
Trinidad carnival is the mom of all carnivals on this area. It’s the carnival occasion that nearly each single particular person aspires to attend at the very least as soon as of their lifetime. Because the competition continues to develop, these aspirations have prolonged internationally. In current instances, celebrities of all calibers have made Trinidad their vacation spot of alternative in February, primarily to partake within the celebrations. The occasion has seen the attendance of celebrities together with Ashanti, Mya, Lil Kim, Trinidad James, and others.
Photograph credit score: John de la Bastide/Shutterstock.com
Image: Carnival in Trinidad.
Insider tip: Whereas in Trinidad, don’t overlook to take a look at Tobago’s carnival celebrations additionally held in February.
Carnaval de Ponce (Puerto Rico Carnival)
February 16 – 21, 2024
Puerto Rico just isn’t unnoticed of the enjoyable. Carnaval de Ponce, also called Carnaval Ponceño, is held in direction of the top of February and has quite a bit to supply. The occasion is held in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and it is among the oldest carnivals within the Western Hemisphere. Celebrations on this Spanish territory are continuously likened to that of Rio de Janeiro, however you’ll need to go for your self to see in the event that they match up!
Photograph credit score: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com
Image: Ponce parade in Puerto Rico.
Martinique Carnival
February 11 – 14, 2024
A competition with a distinction, Martinique’s carnival is ideal for these wanting a extra conventional occasion. Music and authenticity are on the core of this occasion which pays tribute to the island’s French and African roots.
Haiti Kanaval (Haiti Carnival)
February 16 – 21, 2024
Carnival on this Creole talking island has come collectively through the years in an enormous method, to pay tribute to the roots of this nation. Whereas Haiti is understood to have a number of carnival celebrations all year long, the principle occasion, Haiti Kanaval, is held in Port-au-Prince from January and into early March.
Curaçao Carnival
February 19 – 21, 2024
Curaçao is a gorgeous island, and its individuals are equally so. Held in March, this competition is a full of life event which serves as a possibility to carry folks collectively to have a good time tradition, heritage and freedom. The Dutch island of Curaçao is a part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao).
Saint Barthélemy Carnival
February 20 – 22, 2024
No Caribbean island is left behind on the carnival practice, and positively not Saint Barthélemy. This island is understood for its festivals, occasions, and regattas, and simply as a lot planning and dedication goes into its carnival celebrations which get underway mid-February and finish in March.
Guadeloupe Carnival
February 20 – 21, 2024
The French islands have a particular essence that may be seen in the way in which their carnival celebrations come to life. Like many of the French talking territories, the dances, music and different features showcased throughout Guadeloupe’s carnival are one thing distinctive, and utterly their very own. Guadeloupe’s carnival is among the largest festivals within the Antilles.
Carriacou Carnival
February twentieth – twenty first
Carriacou is a surprisingly enjoyable vacation spot for carnival. The island is near each Saint Vincent and Grenada and is a part of a sprinkling of islands often known as the Grenadines. To attend this occasion, you’re possible going to need to fly over to both of the larger islands, and boat throughout to Carriacou. This occasion consists of road dancers, costumed bands and the common soca events, in a extra intimate setting.
Insider tip: Take a ferry over to Carricou the Thursday earlier than the occasion to soak up all of the carnival enjoyable.
Dominica Carnival
February twentieth – twenty first
Dominicans certain know tips on how to celebration, and carnival within the nature island is nice time to expertise that. The Creole talking Caribbean island is understood for day to nighttime partying throughout carnival and different main occasions. This occasion is a assured good time, amid an surroundings that’s refreshing and invigorating. Dominica’s carnival is called ‘The Actual Mas’ as a result of it pays tribute to conventional carnival celebrations.
Guyana Mashramani
February twenty third – twenty fourth
Held on Guyanese Republic Day, Mashramani, also called Mash, is an annual celebration that honors Guyana turning into a Republic in 1970. It’s a competition rooted in independence, which fuses collectively one of the best of Guyana – from meals and video games, to events and parades.
Dominican Republic Carnival
February twenty third – twenty seventh
Carnival within the Dominican Republic is a wild time. A lot attributable to Spanish influences, the ambiance of this competition may be in comparison with that of Rio de Janairo on a a lot smaller scale. A vibrant celebration, festivities on this a part of the world normally fill your complete month of February. It’s a ‘celebration of tradition and identification’, which extends all through the DR. Costumes, masks, and symbolic characters are an enormous a part of this occasion, and are tied to folklore traditions and beliefs.
April
Virgin Gorda Easter Pageant Celebrations
April eighth – tenth
Virgin Gorda is a tropical paradise. In late March/early April, the island positioned within the British Virgin Islands (BVI) heats up for some carnival enjoyable. Easter is celebration time on this island, so get able to wine and grind.
Bacchanal Jamaica
April twelfth – April 18th
Beginning with three carnival bands in 2000, Bachannal Jamaica is right this moment one of many largest carnival occasions held on the island. Occasions begin in December and wind down in direction of the top of Easter. A great deal of actions lead as much as the Highway March finale, which is vastly well-liked. The occasion has featured Caribbean stars together with Machel Montano, Destra, Kes, Bunji Garlin, Fayann Lyons, Kerwin Dubois and extra. The wealthy tradition of Dancehall and Reggae is fused into conventional carnival celebrations in Jamaica.
Sint Maarten Carnival
April 14th – Might third
Sint Maarten, the Dutch aspect of a twin island, is a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It’s one among many Dutch territories within the Caribbean that host their very own carnival celebrations. With a combined tradition, carnival on this island is all embracing, so you may count on an action-packed time in a traditional Caribbean setting. Sint Maarten’s carnival is held late April/early Might.
Ocho Rios Carnival
April 14th
Seashore events, breakfast fetes, parades, and live shows are all a part of Jamaica’s carnival, and Ocho Rios is among the finest locations in Jamaica to soak up the celebrations. With a schedule of actions beginning in January and ending in April, you received’t be bored on this rock.
Insider tip: Sandals’ all-inclusive beach resort in Ocho Rios is close by the carnival celebrations in Ocho Rios.
Saint Thomas Carnival
April twenty third – thirtieth
Yearly, Saint Thomas within the Virgin Islands hosts their carnival celebrations throughout the month of April. The island hosts laborious core events main as much as the principle occasion, a carnival parade that lights up Principal Road. Whether or not you sit on the sidelines, or bounce in a band, you’re assured a enjoyable time in Saint Thomas.
Might
Bahamas Carnival
Might 18th – twenty first
One of the stunning locations on the earth, The Bahamas is a best choice for a lot of vacationers. Throw in a spectacular carnival occasion and also you’ll have much more motivation to go to this island to get acquainted with its tradition. Carnival in the Bahamas is normally held within the first week of Might, although there are many different occasions occurring year-round.
Insider tip: Heading to Bahamas Carnival? Plan your lodging early. E-book one of many all-inclusive resorts in The Bahamas for limitless connoisseur meals and premium spirits.
Cayman Carnival Batabano
April twenty ninth – Might seventh
Held within the Cayman Islands, Batabano is normally noticed within the first week of Might. This competition is the one carnival held within the Cayman Islands, and options occasions for adults and juniors.
Barbuda Caribana
Might twenty ninth – June 2nd
Off the shores of Antigua, Barbuda’s carnival beckons carnival lovers from throughout to an intimate and conventional occasion. Smaller islands are likely to have much less crowded celebrations, that are nice for many who really feel extra comfy in a close-knit setting.
Photograph credit score: jo Crebbin/Shutterstock.com
Image: Carnival parade in Nassau, the Bahamas.
June
Bermuda Heroes Weekend
June sixteenth – nineteenth
Bermuda is that fairly little island within the Caribbean with attractive pink sand seashores and superb folks. Carnival on this territory occurs within the third week of June and is a part of Bermuda’s Heroes Weekend. Although small, this competition is steadily rising, and it is among the extremely beneficial occasions within the Caribbean.
July
Saint Lucia Carnival
July 1st – nineteenth
Saint Lucia carnival, now a part of the Soleil Summer season Pageant in Saint Lucia, culminates with two days of revelry by way of the streets. The island’s carnival celebrations have been beforehand held in February, forward of Ash Wednesday, however have now been transitioned to July. The transfer was made by the island’s authorities in an try to be extra aggressive on the tourism entrance. Saint Lucia’s carnival has grown and altered because the transfer, however the island stays one of many prime spots for carnival within the area.
Insider tip: Luxurious resort Sandals Halcyon Beach in Saint Lucia is positioned alongside the island’s carnival route.
Havana Carnival (Cuba)
July 1 – August 31 (actions happen each weekend throughout this era)
Cuba is a very vibrant nation and it’s no shock that the liveliness of the folks makes its method into carnival celebrations. Held in August, carnival festivities in Cuba date again to 1573. The primary Havana carnival of the 20th century was held in 1902, and the occasion has grown leaps and bounds since then.
Photograph credit score: Lia Koltyrina/Shutterstock.com
Image: Carnival within the streets of Havana
Saint John Pageant
July 1st – fifth
Within the months of June and July, the Saint John Pageant is among the main sights for this isle which is a part of the US Virgin Islands. Saint John’s Pageant, a carnival celebration, is tied to Emancipation Day on the island, so count on a culturally different expertise.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Carnival (Vincy Mas)
July third – 4th
There’s a commencement of types that appears to occur when you set out on the carnival path. Maybe you may start with milder occasions and finish in an epic method at one of the best carnival of the area. Vincy Mas is someplace on the prime of Caribbean carnival scores. Held late June to early July, this occasion in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines consists of carnival actions for the younger and younger at coronary heart. Among the finest Soca stars come from Saint Vincent, so count on nice music and events!
Carnival of Santiago de Cuba
July seventeenth – twenty seventh
A big competition that’s as well-known as it’s conventional, Santiago de Cuba’s carnival occurs in July yearly. This occasion is beloved as a result of it highlights Cuba’s pursuits and influences in an genuine method. The parades which might be a part of this occasion are nothing in need of spectacular, and whereas attending this occasion, you’ll actually really feel such as you’re being sucked right into a tradition, that welcomes you with open arms.
Photograph credit score: Angela N Perryman/Shutterstock.com
Image: Carnival parade in Castries, Saint Lucia.
Saint Eustatius (Statia Carnival)
July thirteenth – twenty fourth
Late July into early August the folks of Saint Eustantius welcome foreigners to their shores, in addition to folks born on island who’ve since migrated. The small Dutch island with a inhabitants of simply over 3,000 folks is a hive of exercise throughout this time with occasions supposed to spice up the island’s tourism product.
Saba Summer season Pageant
July twenty fourth – thirtieth
This Dutch Caribbean island hosts its carnival celebrations in late July to August. One of many smaller Caribbean occasions, the Saba Summer season Pageant options good meals, music and a cultural showcase value taking in.
Insider tip: There’s a lot you may study this island on the chain of the Lesser Antilles by way of this occasion, so make sure to get on the market and discover.
Nevis Culturama
July twenty seventh – August eighth
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a duel island nation. Many individuals are accustomed to Saint Kitts, however barely much less acquainted with the latter. Culturama held late July into early August is a chance for Nevis to showcase its cultural identification, and that the little island does nicely with a sequence of reveals and a grand parade which is one among its largest highlights yearly.
Anguilla Summer season Pageant
July thirtieth – August seventh
Simply off the shores of Saint Martin, Anguilla is a paradise for carnival lovers searching for an expertise which is slightly totally different from most. Boat races, pageants and events are all a part of this occasion which has gained reputation through the years. Make sure to try August Monday, jouvert and the Caribbean Seashore Celebration whereas on this island.
Insider tip: You may fly to Anguilla from the Princess Juliana Airport in St. Maarten or take a ferry throughout.
August
Antigua Carnival
August 1st – eighth
Antigua options some of the organized carnivals within the area. Held yearly in early August, Antigua’s carnival attracts scores of regional and worldwide visitors. From convertibles driving previous with stunning carnival contestants, to day and night time events, Antigua is palms down the most effective Caribbean carnivals round city.
Searching for a spot to remain? Antigua boasts lots of beautiful all-inclusive resorts which shall be excellent for you!
Emancipation Pageant – Tortola (BVI)
August fifth – seventh
This island’s Emancipation Pageant is held in early August, and this can be a nice time to go to Tortola as you may count on actually good native and worldwide meals, music, pageants, parades, and even gospel celebrations. The choices are countless for this competition which focuses on celebrating the historical past and tradition of the nation and paying tribute to the liberty of the ancestors.
Barbados Crop Over
August seventh – 14th
Held in early August, Crop Over is understood to characteristic stars like Rihanna, who was born and raised on Barbados. Rihanna’s attendance of this occasion has considerably raised the scores for this now high-profile carnival occasion. Crop over is about aside from different carnival occasions within the area as a result of its origins need to do with the season marking the ending of the native Sugar Cane Harvest.
Insider tip: Resorts on Barbados replenish rapidly throughout Carnival time. Plan your lodging early.
Grenada Spicemas
August 10 – 15, 2024
There’s no going mistaken with an occasion with such a spicy connotation. Spicemas is among the finest marketed occasions within the Caribbean, and it lives as much as the hype. Held early to mid-August, this occasion in Grenada options metal pan showcases, parades, magnificence pageants, and extra.
Insider tip: Keep near celebrations whereas in Grenada to reduce transport prices. Try Sandals’ all-inclusive resort in Grenada, which is close to to the parade route.
September
Belize Carnival
September 17, 2024
Rounding up the carnival path is Belize Carnival, held in September. This occasion is a mix of road theatre, music, costumes, and really enthusiastic and pleasant folks. Combined origins discover the folks of Belize paying tribute to their Mayan, African, and European roots, in a celebration that’s uniquely Belizean. Although this celebration wraps up the principle occasions within the area for the 12 months, it doesn’t imply the carnival street map is completed. Preparations for many carnivals held in February start round this time, and by November, some bands would have already hosted their launch events for the upcoming 12 months!
Carnival security ideas
Maintain secure as you are taking within the sights and sounds of carnival. Listed below are a few of the most vital issues to remember.
Photograph credit score: John de la Bastide/Shutterstock.com
- Plan your transportation early when attending carnival occasions, so that you’re not left stranded after the very fact.
- Put on minimal jewellery to keep away from attracting undesirable consideration.
- Put on sunscreen, a hat or each.
- Keep hydrated. Sometimes, folks drink extra alcohol than standard throughout carnival, which might dehydrate your physique.
- Regulate your youngsters, particularly in crowded areas as they’ll get misplaced.
- Don’t go away your drinks unsupervised, and guarantee all bottled drinks are opened in your presence.
- Journey in teams when heading out to actions. Guarantee all members of your group are current whenever you’re prepared to go away.
- Don’t settle for drinks from strangers.
- Folks from the Caribbean may be pleasant, however keep in mind, not everyone seems to be your good friend.
- Keep away from carrying massive quantities of cash and preserve your pockets or change purse someplace discreet.
Look beautiful for Carnival
Photograph credit score: John de la Bastide/Shutterstock.com
Carnival is a celebration of magnificence, as seen within the vivid colours surrounding the occasion. Ladies and even males within the area pay nice consideration presently to wanting their finest. Some folks go on strict diets and train for months main as much as the most important occasions simply to allow them to look beautiful on the large day. Whereas some folks want to simply throw on a dressing up and have a very good time, others want to look glittery and beautiful whereas feting the day away. Both method, carnival within the Caribbean is an efficient time, so be sure you take a number of images to memorialize this as soon as in a lifetime occasion!
Disclaimer: All info on this weblog web page could change at any time with out prior discover. Consider the precise carnivale dates may change from 12 months to 12 months, which influences the accuracy of the data. Sandals won’t be chargeable for loss or inconvenience arising from using this info.
