The Great Carnival of Antigua is synonymous with flamboyant costumes, extravagant beauty pageants, numerous talent shows and great music. All these and much more are a part of the fantastic celebrations that mark The Great Carnival of Antigua. This is one of the most popular festivals celebrated on a nation wide level in Antigua and Barbuda and sees locals and tourists from different corners of the world join together to partake in the various festivities.
History of the Great Carnival of Antigua
The Great Carnival of Antigua has been celebrated in the country since August 1 of 1834, in commemoration of the historic event of abolition of slavery. The French inhabitants ravaged this country in the year 1666, but then lost its control to the British. As per the Treaty of Breda, Queen Elizabeth II is the head of Antigua and Barbuda under a constitutional monarchy government.
As soon as a law was passed that entirely abolished slavery, local natives immediately went out to the streets to express their joyful celebration of freedom and as time went by, this became an annual affair. In the year 1957, this celebration was declared an official Antigua Carnival and became popular by the name of The Great Carnival of Antigua.
Ever since its declaration as an official festival, The Great Carnival of Antigua has evolved into a ten day celebration that is a complete package of endless revelry featuring ostentatious dance performances by the locals to the thundering beat of the Calypso. This carnival also includes long distance parades, jump-ups, colorful floats and elaborate dance and musical shows.
The Great Carnival of Antigua always takes place around the last week of July and continues up to the first week of August. If you are planning to come to Antigua and Barbuda for a vacation, try to plan your trip around the same time as the Antigua Carnival as it is undeniably the best time for you to enjoy all the cultural offerings of this vibrant Caribbean island.
This vivacious and highly animated event concludes with a massive road party called J’ouvert. This translates to mean “day break”, during which everyone sways to the beat of the drums that are played from the middle of the night until the morning.
Authentic online information on The Great Carnival of Antigua and Antigua and Barbuda Travel and Tours offered only at travel.mapsofworld.
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