Every year, Antigua Carnival fills the streets of St. John’s with the sounds of steelpan, soca and calypso. The 2026 edition takes place from July 25 to August 4." By Agnès Monlouis-Félicité
"Every year, Antigua Carnival fills the streets of St. John’s with the sounds of steelpan, soca and calypso. The 2026 edition takes place from July 25 to August 4." By Agnès Monlouis-FélicitéHeld under the theme «Feel the Rhythm,» the 2026 edition of Antigua Carnival invites residents and visitors alike to discover the cultural richness of Antigua and Barbuda through music, colourful costumes and long-standing traditions. For eleven days, St. John’s comes alive with steelpan orchestras, soca and calypso performances, while traditional characters and masquerade groups parade through the capital’s streets. The festival celebrates the identity of Antigua and Barbuda by bringing together music, gastronomy and cultural heritage. The programme features major parades, music competitions and live performances showcasing the island’s leading artists alongside some of the region’s biggest soca stars. Highlights include the spectacular J’ouvert, the Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday parades, as well as the traditional Last Lap, which brings the festivities to a close. The Panorama competition draws steelpan enthusiasts, while the Party Monarch and Calypso Monarch competitions crown the year’s top performers. Throughout the carnival, Antigua reveals one of its liveliest sides. Traditional customs, musical events and the vibrant atmosphere in the streets offer another way to experience Antigua and Barbuda. And between the festivities, travellers can relax on one of the archipelago’s 365 beaches, explore scenic hiking trails or admire the lush landscapes that add to the charm of the twin- island nation.
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