Carnival In Jamaica 2025 Guide

Carnival In Jamaica dates span Thursday April 24th to Monday 28th, 2025. Ready yourself for a fusion of carnival and dancehall in this slice of paradise.

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FAQs About Carnival In Jamaica

• The Carnival Parade of Bands is held on Sunday April 27th, 2025.
• The parade and most events are held in the Kingston/New Kingston areas in Jamaica.
• Best airport to fly into is Norman Manley International (airport code KIN)
• You can also fly into Montego Bay airport (Sangsters International) but plan to take a bus or taxi to Kingston/New Kingston area
• Travel dates can vary but try to go (at minimum) Thursday to the Monday

Where To Stay

• Courtleigh Hotel & Suites
• AC Hotel By Marriott
• Jamaica Pegasus Hotel
• R Hotel Kingston
• Courtyard Marriott Kingston Jamaica
• Knutsford Court Hotel
• Alamont Court Hotel
• S Hotel Kingston
• ROK Hotel Kingston
• Terra Nova All Suite Hotel

Here are some examples of Airbnb/VRBO listings that are close to events/parade route. These are selected due to location and reviews. Please read reviews before booking to make the best decision for you and your traveling party.

• Luxurious & Modern In The Heart of New Kingston
• Jamaica Life @Via Braemer
• Cozy apartment in New Kington
• Comfort in New Kingston

Getting Around

From experience, I’ve used licensed taxis and ended up sticking with one particular driver for the whole trip or used drivers recommended by Jamaicans. But here are some options:

• Licensed taxis (red license plates)
  • According to the Transport Authority… “A Transport Authority sticker on the windshield. A globe bearing the word “Taxi” on the top of the vehicle. Colour Code: a checked pattern in black and white. The pattern should be oriented horizontally and measure 10cm (4”) in height.”
• Uber
• Private drivers

Jamaica Carnival Costumes

All 3 bands have launched their themes for Carnival in Jamaica. Costumes start at around $525 and up (depending on your band of choice and option of choice). You need to pay a deposit to secure a costume and pay over time; deposits tend to start from $250 but will increase depending on the band and when you are actually registering for a costume.

• Xodus
• Gen XS Carnival Jamaica 
• Yard Mas Carnival

 

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Carnival in Jamaica Events

For a timeline of events, check out Lucy & Vagabond as well as Lehwego.com for all events or look at the list below. (This is an ever-evolving list – as events/tickets become available; it will be updated).

April 23rd

• Xodus Fete Gala

April 24th

• Tailgate JA
• TouchDown Jamaica

April 25th

• Bacchanal Jouvert
• Party In The Sun | SunKissed

April 26th

• Yard Mas Jouvert
• GenXS Immortals Jouvert
• Sunrise Breakfast Party 
• Remedy
• Strut Jamaica

April 27th

• CARNIVAL IN JAMAICA OFFICIAL ROAD PARADE (8am)
• YardMas After Road Jam

April 28th

• Yard Mas Beach Fete

What To Expect On The Road

If you register as a masquerader – expect an all inclusive experience of soca and dancehall music, some performances, food, drinks, a costume package and great vibes. It’s best to stay in the areas mentioned to be close to the parade route. The typical road experience starts early around 8am and ends around 6pm.

Things To Do

There’s so many things to do in Jamaica – its really difficult just highlighting a few but here’s some that have been on my list to do or things I would do again.

• Visit Devon House
  • Try patties from Devon House Bakery
  • Ice Cream from Devon House I Scream
• Stush In The Bush
  • An ITAL fine dining experience
• Bamboo River Rafting
• Lunch or Dinner at StrawBerryHill Hotel
• Jamaican KFC (enough said)