At a glance

• Two blazing parade days where thousands of masqueraders chip behind music trucks in jeweled costumes through sunlit St. John’s
• Music at full throttle: groovy and power soca, classic calypso, and thundering steelpan from legendary bands like Hell’s Gate and Halcyon
• J’ouvert before dawn—paint, powder, iron bands and raw riddim as the city wakes up in a whirl of color
• Costume culture that’s intimate and immersive: from bold frontline plumes to sleek backline designs and Monday-wear chic
• Signature traditions: Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show, Soca (Party) Monarch, Calypso Monarch, Panorama, and the fevered race for Road March glory

Key dates

• Sat, July 25, 2026: Opening of Carnival & T-Shirt Mas through St. John’s; Carnival City (Antigua Recreation Ground) springs to life
• Sun, July 26, 2026: Cultural showcases and steelpan concerts to set the tone for the week
• Mon, July 27, 2026: Calypso Monarch Semis and calypso tents at Carnival City
• Tue, July 28, 2026: Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show (elegance, culture and pageantry)
• Wed, July 29, 2026: Party Monarch Semis and midweek fetes
• Thu, July 30, 2026: Panorama Steelband Championship under the stars at Carnival City
• Fri, July 31, 2026: Wadadli Beer Party Monarch (Soca Monarch) Finals—Antigua’s biggest soca night
• Sat, Aug 1, 2026 (Emancipation Day): Junior Carnival Parade (Kiddies’ Mas), food fairs, family lime
• Sun, Aug 2, 2026: Beach limes and last big fetes before the road
• Mon, Aug 3, 2026: J’ouvert Morning (from around 3–4am) followed by Carnival Monday Parade of the Bands
• Tue, Aug 4, 2026: Carnival Tuesday Parade (final judging) & Last Lap into the night

How to get there

Fly into V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU) on Antigua’s north coast—just 15–20 minutes from St. John’s and the parade route. From Europe, the easiest gateway is London: British Airways and Virgin Atlantic operate non-stop services from London (8.5–9 hours), with daily or near-daily frequency in summer.

From Paris, Amsterdam, Frankfurt and other European hubs, the most common routings connect via London; total travel time is typically 11–15 hours including transit. Alternative connections run via the US (Miami, New York JFK) on American, JetBlue or Delta—note that transiting the US requires ESTA/visa even if you’re only connecting. Regional links from the Eastern Caribbean (e.g., Barbados, St. Maarten, Tortola) operate on interCaribbean Airways and Caribbean Airlines, useful if you’re island-hopping.

On arrival at ANU, official taxis queue outside the terminal with posted rates; expect around 15 minutes to St. John’s/Carnival City and 10–20 minutes to Dickenson Bay resorts. Many hotels can arrange private transfers, and major car-rental desks are on site if you plan to explore beaches and forts between fetes.

Where to stay

Base yourself near St. John’s or the northwest beaches for quick access to Carnival City and the parade route, with easy taxi hops to fetes.

• Heritage Hotel (St. John’s): Simple, central, and steps from duty-free—great for walkers who want to be near the action.
• Trade Winds Hotel (Dickenson Bay hillside): Quiet, breezy and close to the city; popular with crews who want a calm base.
• Sandals Grande Antigua (Dickenson Bay): Adults-only all-inclusive with a long, swimmable beach—ideal for recouping between late nights.
• Siboney Beach Club (Dickenson Bay): Boutique tropical hideaway with kitchenettes and a laid-back vibe.
• Royalton Antigua (Deep Bay/Five Islands): Modern resort a short drive from town; calm waters and sunset views.
• Copper and Lumber Store Hotel (English Harbour): Historic charm in Nelson’s Dockyard—further from Carnival City but perfect if you’ll split your time with sailing coves and restaurants.
• Hodges Bay Resort & Spa (north coast): Chic, contemporary resort for a luxe carnival base.

Tip: During parade days, traffic restrictions pinch St. John’s. If you’re outside the city, arrange taxi pick-ups and plan to walk the last stretch into the route.

Playing mas

To “play mas” in Antigua is to step into a living, breathing story—emancipation remembered in revelry, creativity stitched into every feather, and a shared heartbeat that pulls strangers into friends on the road. You’re not just watching the parade; you’re part of the picture.

Start by choosing a mas band. Antigua’s scene is intimate, which is beautiful—you’ll actually find your section mates again and again on the road. Popular bands include Insane Carnival and Hysteria Mas, among others. Browse their launches (usually spring/early summer) and pick a section whose colors feel like you. Backline costumes are sleek and wearable; frontline brings the drama—larger headpieces, more gems, extra flair. Men’s options range from athletic shorts with decorative belts to warrior-style chest pieces.

What you get depends on the package: road access for Monday & Tuesday, costume (or Monday-wear if offered), unlimited drinks from your truck bar, meals or snacks, security, medics and a souvenir goodie bag. Expect ballpark pricing: backline US$350–650, frontline US$700–1,200+, men US$250–450. J’ouvert bands (paint/powder/foam) usually run US$80–150 and include a T-shirt, cup, and free-pour on the move.

Registration is simple: sign up online with your band, select your size and section, pay a deposit, and clear your balance before collection week. Note deadlines—popular sections sell out. If you’re flying in close to the road, email your band for late pick-up hours; costume distribution hubs are typically near St. John’s.

Parade days are a full-body joy. Monday begins a little later—eat the included breakfast, lather on sunscreen, and roll out behind your music truck as judges and photogs line the route. Tuesday turns the energy up: bigger crowds, final judging, and that euphoric ‘Last Lap’ through town after sundown. You’ll chip for hours (small steps to the riddim), cool down at drink trucks, and pose for ten thousand cameras. The heat is real—hydrate constantly and rotate into the shade when floats crawl.

First-timer wisdom from the road: choose snug sneakers you can dance in all day; tape hotspots if you’re prone to blisters. A small crossbody or fanny pack keeps phone, wipes and powder handy; a hydration pack is golden. Ask marshals for help if you get separated—Antigua bands look out for their own. And don’t stress the perfect photo; the best moments are the messy ones, covered in paint or laughing under a sudden shower.

Budget

Book flights early—late July to early August is peak season across the region. If you’re not starting in London, price multi-city tickets that route you through Heathrow or Gatwick on one booking to avoid separate ticket risk.

Mas costs stay friendlier than mega-carnivals, but frontline still climbs fast. Backline sections look incredible on the Antigua route and leave more budget for fetes. Grab early-bird fete tickets and bundle with friends for car rentals and villa shares.

Eat where the bands fuel up: roadside barbecues and rum shops near the route offer grilled chicken, seasoned rice, ducana and saltfish for a fraction of resort prices. Bring a refillable bottle—many bands will top you up, and you’ll spend less on water between moves.

Cash and cards both work, but keep small bills (XCD/US) for taxis and food stalls. ATMs are around St. John’s; tell your bank your travel dates to avoid card blocks.

Getting around & connectivity

During parade days, central St. John’s goes pedestrian-first. Expect rolling road closures and plan to walk the last 5–10 minutes into the route. Taxis are plentiful; agree the fare before you hop in. If you’re staying by Dickenson Bay or Five Islands, set pick-up points on the city’s edge and stroll in.

Public minibuses run set routes from city terminals and are great value, but they wind down by evening and won’t service the tightest parade corridors. Renting a car gives you freedom for beach breaks—drive on the left, watch for narrow village roads, and avoid bringing a car into town on the big days.

At night, stick with known taxi operators or hotel-arranged rides. Share locations with friends, keep your phone charged, and use Carnival City as a landmark to regroup.

Climate & packing

Antigua in late July–early August is hot, bright and breezy: daytime 28–32°C, high humidity, and brief, passing showers. UV is fierce. It’s glorious for the road—just respect the sun and hydrate like a champ.

Pack for motion: cushioned sneakers you can dance in for 8+ hours, light socks, and breathable outfits for fetes. A hydration pack or insulated bottle saves you on Monday and Tuesday. Sunscreen (reef-safe, SPF 50), lip balm, sunglasses and a brimmed hat keep you going under the midday blaze.

J’ouvert essentials: sacrificial T-shirt, bandana, Ziplocs for phone/wallet, baby wipes, and a small flag (Antigua’s or your own). Costume extras: body tape, safety pins, skin-tone stockings and glitter for touch-ups. A compact power bank and waterproof phone pouch are lifesavers when the paint and rum start to fly.

Forgot something? St. John’s pharmacies and shops around Heritage Quay/Market Street stock sunscreen, toiletries and snacks; local vendors sell fishcakes, roasted corn, and Susie’s Hot Sauce to spice up everything.

Sample plan

1. Sat, July 25 – Opening Day: Land, drop bags, and head for Carnival City as T-Shirt Mas breaks the seal. Sunset brings speeches, steelpan and a first taste of waistlines in motion. Early night? Maybe. But the riddim says otherwise.
2. Sun, July 26 – Pan & Culture: Brunch by the bay, then slide into a steelpan concert as orchestras warm up the island. Evening lime in Redcliffe/Heritage Quay and a cooler fete to pace the week.
3. Mon, July 27 – Calypso Night: Beach morning at Dickenson, then Calypso Monarch semis at Carnival City—razor-sharp lyrics, belly laughs and a crash course in Antiguan wit. Nightcap at a small club set.
4. Tue, July 28 – Jaycees Queen Show: Explore Betty’s Hope or Fort James by day; dress up for the Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show at night—poise, gowns, and cultural showcases that glow under the lights.
5. Wed, July 29 – Midweek Fetes: Power nap after a snorkel at Deep Bay, then hit a sunset cooler fete. Groovy soca all night—save your knees, tomorrow’s pan is serious business.
6. Thu, July 30 – Panorama: Steelpan supremacy at Carnival City. Cheer for Hell’s Gate, Halcyon and the young guns as sticks blur and tenors sing. Grab a late-night roti before bed; the big soca showdown is coming.
7. Fri, July 31 – Soca Monarch Finals: Daytime chill; hydrate and stretch. After dark, it’s Party Monarch—Antigua’s soca elite testing lungs and stamina. Expect anthems you’ll hear nonstop on the road.
8. Sat, Aug 1 – Kiddies’ Carnival & Emancipation Vibes: Celebrate the next generation at Junior Carnival, then graze a food fair—seasoned rice, fungee and pepperpot, Johnny cakes. Light fete tonight; alarms are set for before sunrise.
9. Sun, Aug 2 – Beach & Big Lime: Gentle sea, sandals off, nerves steady. One last beach lime and a sundown cooler fete. Lay out your J’ouvert kit before bed; double-check your meeting point.
10. Mon, Aug 3 – J’ouvert & Carnival Monday: 3:30am call time. Paint, powder, iron bands and grins wide as Market Street. Nap and shower, then rejoin your mas band mid-morning—chip, sip, and pose your way through St. John’s until late afternoon.
11. Tue, Aug 4 – Carnival Tuesday & Last Lap: Costume dialed to max. Final judging brings the heat; the city swells with color and camera flashes. Sunset melts into Last Lap—sweet, sweaty, unforgettable. Sleep can wait.

Official links & useful resources

• Official Antigua Carnival
• Antigua Carnival (Instagram)
• Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority
• Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show (JCI Antigua)
• Antigua & Barbuda Pan Association (Panorama)
• Insane Carnival (Mas Band)
• Hysteria Mas (Mas Band)
• Antigua Observer – Carnival News