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If you’re planning to experience Antigua and Barbuda Carnival 2027, now is the perfect time to start making plans. The 2027 celebration will be particularly special because it marks the 70th anniversary of Antigua Carnival, making it a major milestone for the island’s culture, music, mas, and Carnival traditions.
Antigua Carnival 2027 is being promoted under the theme “Legendary 70” and is scheduled to run from July 20 through August 3, 2027. The Antigua and Barbuda Government has called for a full programme of activities throughout the festival period as preparations begin for the historic anniversary celebration.
Antigua Carnival is the national Carnival celebration of Antigua and Barbuda and the country’s largest annual festival. It was created to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved Africans while celebrating the island’s culture, resilience, music, and artistic traditions.
Since its beginnings in the 1950s, Antigua Carnival has grown into an internationally recognized event that attracts thousands of visitors every year. Today, it combines traditional cultural celebrations with modern Carnival entertainment, creating an exciting festival that showcases the very best of Caribbean life.
Throughout the festival, the streets of St. John’s come alive with music, dancing, colorful costumes, and celebrations that continue from morning until late at night.
The announced dates for Antigua Carnival 2027 are:
July 20 – August 3, 2027
The festival will culminate with the two major road days:
Both dates are recognized as Carnival holidays in Antigua and Barbuda.
The 2027 festival is expected to be one of the biggest celebrations in Antigua’s history because it marks 70 years of Antigua Carnival.
For anyone planning to play mas, the most important dates are Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday.
Carnival Monday begins with J’ouvert, one of the most energetic traditions of Caribbean Carnival.
Before sunrise, revelers gather in the streets for music, dancing, paint, powder, and an atmosphere unlike anything else during the festival.
Later in the day, the Monday Mas Parade brings masqueraders onto the road in their Carnival costumes.
This is where joining an official mas band becomes particularly exciting. Instead of watching from the sidelines, you become part of the parade.
Carnival Tuesday is the grand finale.
The Parade of Bands brings together mas bands and thousands of masqueraders wearing colorful, elaborate costumes while dancing behind music trucks.
After the parade, Last Lap gives Carnival lovers one final opportunity to celebrate before the festival comes to an end.
For visitors traveling specifically to play mas, Carnival Tuesday is an essential date to have on your calendar.
Antigua Carnival 2027 is scheduled to run from July 20 through August 3, 2027, with Carnival Monday on August 2 and Carnival Tuesday on August 3.
The 2027 celebration is being promoted under the theme “Legendary 70,” marking the 70th anniversary of Antigua Carnival.
Carnival Monday is August 2, 2027. It includes J’ouvert and the Monday Mas celebrations.
Carnival Tuesday is August 3, 2027. This is the main Parade of Bands and Last Lap day.
The main festival dates have been announced, but the complete day-by-day programme, including the final dates and times for individual competitions, concerts, fetes, and other events, is still being developed. The Government has instructed the Festivals Commission to prepare a full programme for the 70th anniversary celebration.
Yes. Visitors can join an official mas band, purchase a Carnival costume, and participate in the road celebrations.