Antigua Carnival 2019 Review | ALL THE REASONS WHY You Should Be At The Coolest Summer Festival For 2020

If I could describe Antigua Carnival in a few words…

It is the perfect balance of fetes, road and relaxation. There is a uniqueness to the carnival vibe that I personally have not experienced anywhere else.

“The vibes are authentic, not manufactured.” – Marlon Musique

DATES OF TRAVEL

July 26th – August 9th, 2019 (yes 14 nights) was the extent of my stay at the beautiful all inclusive luxury resort Royalton Antigua.

I arrived to Antigua via transfer from St. Maarten on the tiniest of planes (read as heart attack and/or meltdown) but thankfully got to my destination in one piece. Top Shelf Events, YAT Concierge, and ACE7 in association with the Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Board and Antigua Festivals Commission curated my entire experience from beginning to end.

EVENTS

My itinerary for Antigua Carnival was completely laid out for me several days prior to traveling. YAT Concierge sent me a detailed itinerary of fetes, mas, events and downtime including dress code – which saved my entire packing life. TIP: Pack a lot of bikinis/swimwear because Antigua has 365 beaches – a beach for every day of the year.

1st EVENT: T-Shirt Mas (Barefoot Promotions)

The first day of mas for Antigua Carnival is t-shirt mas. Antigua Carnival boasts of a lengthy season and tshirt mas is literally the warmup held a week and a few days before J’ouvert, Carnival Monday and Tuesday. Tshirt mas started about mid- day and went well into the night (ending around 9-10pm).  Costumes are basically tees (optional) for the men and bodysuits, bathing suits, Monday wear…basically you do what you want according to your band. I had a great time on the road, more so after the sun set with Barefoot Promotions.

Drink carts/trucks were readily available and it was sort of an adjustment period as I got used to listening to 80% Antiguan soca. Top Shelf Events ensured that I got some snacks on the road- the line for food for Barefoot after the road was crazy but the Antiguan crew sorted me out.

If you do not have the time or budget to travel for the full carnival season, t-shirt mas is definitely a viable standalone option with accompanying fetes if you want a shorter trip inclusive of a road experience.

2nd Event: M{Ocean}

1st raft up/catamaran cruise held by Project Sync was my first taste of an authentic Antiguan fete/party. My favorite DJ’s onboard were DJ Quest and DJ Riddim Master. We boarded catamarans and sailed to a cool spot in the ocean where the boats “rafted up” and everyone took a little dive into the ocean. Drinks and food were included. It was here where I realized Antiguan DJ’s play every kind of music from soca to dancehall, to r&b, rap and a little pop music. There was a bit of a sobering vibe towards the end where everyone just wanted to chill, nap, sleep but dancehall brought the boat back to life towards the end before docking.

3rd Event: Tease

First of the Top Shelf Events cache of fetes. Literally an off island all inclusive beach day party where we were shuttled via bus then water taxi to Seaforth Beach. Tease definitely had a rocky start with stationery items for food arriving late but that was short lived. I got my entire life with the Bacardi Mojito bar, hennessy shots with the Antiguan locals, ital soup, seasoned rice and chicken salad. In the few days I had been in Antigua, I realize that Antiguans don’t really warm up til the sun starts to go down because well-hot! But when that sun went down…the vibes were well… cue IG post (credit: IG – @chavdakid). Honorable mention to DJSpaniard/TheSpaniard for a phenomenal dancehall set and Sir Lance the MC for setting the pace for this fete.

4th Event: Ripple

Out of all the fetes, this one was my favorite so that means you CAN-NOT miss Ripple for Antigua Carnival 2020. (well actually its running a tie with TEASE)

Scene: catmaran cruise, drinks and food inclusive with a stop at a beautiful secluded beach (Pearns Point)-perfect for Instagram pictures. Coconut water and floaties were provided for patrons to chill and relax before we set sail again.  Ended up switching boats mid way to board the Bajan Invasion that was vibes all the way to the end. Top Shelf Events really executed this catamaran cruise to a tee. I did not feel bored AT ALL, I felt like there was something new at every turn and the Bajan Invasion boat was the cherry on top to complete the vibes!

5th Event: Druesday

Druesday is an annual carnival celebration concert held by Ricardo Drue on his birthday that brings all of soca’s greatest talents from the islands to perform including local Antiguan artists. My favorite performances were Farmer Nappy, MJ, Patrice Roberts and Preedy. I particularly LOVED that Antiguan soca artist MJ (who sings Mating Season) was inspired by Farmer Nappy’s tune Hookin’ Meh. It gave me goosebumps to see how people unite and inspire over soca music.

6th Event: Melting Pot

The point of Melting Pot is just what the name represents – an exhibition of Caribbean culture and music from artists across the region. Held at the ARG(Antiguan Recreational Grounds) ; we witnessed a musical lituation from artists such as Romain Virgo, Christopher Martin (swoons) alongside Antiguan local artists. I only wish we had stayed longer to see Asa Bantan’s performance but early make up appointments call(ha!).

 

7th Event: Lemonade

An all inclusive breakfast/brunch event held/curated by Top Shelf events and ShorBlu events at the Antiguan Athletic Club with a pool smack dab in the middle. You might as well had called this a wet fete because a couple hours in people’s shoes were off and half the patrons was swimming, wining, jumping in the “people dem” pool. Antiguans really don’t like heat (ha!). As for brunch, patron cocktails/shots were served up until midday; there was also a fully stocked bar with top shelf liquors. Food served was chicken soup, a seafood chowder, saltfish/bakes, plaintain as well as my favorite, Antiguan local bread and cheese. I ate like 3 of them with no shame. Impressive DJ sets by DJ Miks and DJ Virus.

8th Event: Party Monarch

If you go to any concert or cultural festival for Antigua Carnival, it MUST be Party Monarch. This had to be one of the most entertaining displays of authentic Antiguan culture and music and this is coming from someone who does not like concerts. On our way in we could hear Tian Winter’s performance so lol vibes were already building. My favorite peformance was Menace singing Ooh Tanya! – his peformance was so entertaining! Check the full highlight here on Instagram.

J’ouvert w/ Caution + ChattaBox

We literally spent 2 hours at J’ouvert because little ol” me is quite anxious about getting carnival makeup done early (LOL). TIP: Don’t book makeup anytime before 9am, get your sleep.

However for the minimal time spent, we were able to jump in Caution and ChattaBox J’ouvert. My Caution monokini was especially made for me by Antiguan designer and seamstress Shemeber Whaul of Needle and Threadz.

Caution was packed and is definitely a younger crowd but it was definitely vibes. Caution played a lot of Antiguan local soca inclusive of Burning Flames (think Machel Montano to Trinidad). Because of the time crunch, I didn’t get to experience the full amenities/experience/food but it was fine because then we hopped into ChattaBox and if you want a more intimate, vibesy experience – Chattabox J’ouvert is definitely for you! Special mention to DJ PowerXSurge and Jamaican sensation Marlon Musique for their international soca set inclusive of Dennery segment, Trinidad and Bajan Soca. Can I play in two bands again? LOL.

ON THE ROAD w/ Insane Carnival

One of the MAIN highlights for me was playing in Insane Carnival for Carnival Monday and Tuesday and I had the best time on the road. Check out the full review here and also follow them on Instagram for 2020’s theme and how you can register.

9th Event: Juicy

Last fete of the season was JUICY: a Carnival cool down cooler fete on Seaforth Beach and much needed because tired lol. Food and drinks were on sale and big up to the cooks who were making cauliflower tacos, chicken and beef burgers.  It was a nice chill vibe, definitely different from the previous Top Shelf fetes. The only issue was getting back to civilization due to the patrons crowding the water taxis. Police were present but were doing a very passive job of restoring order, but we made it back in one piece.

THINGS TO DO/WAYS TO RELAX IN ANTIGUA

Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Board  organized the most rigorous and exhilarating ziplining tour followed by lunch and a tour of Nelson’s Dockyard. I had so much fun zipping through the rainforest trees, ducking wasps(eek!) and testing my actual strength and endurance because the course was literally no joke. Definitely worked up an appetite and had lunch at the beautiful Nelson’s DockYard.

Beaches

Out of 365 beaches, I got to “beach bum” it at the following:

Green Bay, Pearns Point, SeaForth Beach, Dickenson’s Bay. I loved being able to just step out every morning and sit on the shore, the Royalton Antigua is situated on its’ own beautiful private beach. It was so amazingly peaceful and I forgot how much I need that downtime between fetes and carnival and how absolutely important it is to SEE and EXPERIENCE a destination outside of the carnival hype.

MUSIC

What’s refreshing about Antigua Carnival is that they played A LOT of local Antiguan soca at fetes, events and during mas on the road. Collectively, their DJ’s do an amazing job of incorporating local music with soca favorites from 2019 and earlier years. Also, know that Antiguans love their dancehall and it is liable that they will turn up in a party to your dancehall faves.

FOOD

I didn’t get as much Antiguan local food as I wanted, HOWEVER – if you do go to Antigua Carnival; you must try their local bread and cheese/bun and cheese. I crave it every day since I’ve been back *cries*.

YAT Concierge took me to dinner on my last night in Antigua to Papa Zouk where I had the Lobster, Shrimp and Mahi Mahi mix and the infamous Ti Punch. So good!

Here’s another visual of my experience. Press play and subscribe!

PLAN AND BOOK YOUR TRIP FOR ANTIGUA CARNIVAL 2020

Dates

If you didn’t know already, Antigua Carnival 2020 is slated for Thursday July 23rd to Wednesday August 5th, 2020. That means you should be landing on the Thursday and leaving on the Thursday and or Friday to catch all the aforementioned events and more. Or you can head on over to Top Shelf Events, Ace7 Vacations or YAT Concierge so they can curate your first Antigua Carnival experience.

Costs

For me, this trip was completely sponsored (God is good!), however if I were to tally the costs for up to two weeks, here’s how it would go. TIP: I highly recommend Top Shelf Events for your staple events, ACE7 for transportation/curating experiences. YAT Concierge did a great job of showing me around the island, getting certain things I needed but there still needs to be a few kinks worked out in regards to transport/communication. However, she can definitely give you the gist of what your package can and will look like cost-wise.

Accommodations

The Royalton Antigua is a 5 star all inclusive luxury resort and rooms start at $350+USD a night depending on the season. My room was big enough for 3 people or more with 2 beds and a pull out couch so costs can be shared if you want that level of experience.

Events

Top Shelf Events DOSE package (Tease, Ripple, Lemonade & Juicy) is a specially curated 4 event package for under $200 USD. I cant promise that price for next year but where else in the carnival-hopping Caribbean can you get 4 fetes (three of which were all inclusive) for that price…

Other events I would recommend are Party Monarch, Melting Pot, Druesday for more of a cultural Antiguan feel. My only regret was not getting up on time for Panorama and the Pageant- definitely next year! For more information on ticketing and ticket prices, check out the Antigua Festivals Commission.

Transport

Amber and Jonathan at ACE7 (Antigua Vacations) offer not only transport but an all inclusive experience of Antigua. They are a well traveled Antiguan-American couple who were very efficient with transportation and extremely reliable when it came to pick ups/drop offs/seeing the island etc. Plus they partied with us too (responsibly of course)! You can personally inquire what their rates are here.

Mas

I had the most amazing mas experience with Insane Carnival. My section leader costume for the 2day carnival was $880 USD – check out the full review of Insane Carnival here. My blogging sister Global Carnivalist played in Myst, so if you want a full rundown of the Myst experience, check out her review of Antigua Carnival 2019 here.

Budget

I outlined pricing here in 11 Reasons You Can’t Miss Antigua Carnival This Year for 2019 and as you all know, costs fluctuate based on demand, materials etc but you can use that as a rule of thumb for planning for 2020.

Final Thoughts

Antigua Carnival is definitely in position to become one of the biggest and well-produced carnivals I’ve seen in my years of carnival-hopping. I felt so at home with the locals and I fell in love with the island, the beaches… I did not want to leave. If you’re looking for an all inclusive carnival experience where you can fete, sight see and really immerse yourself into an authentic Caribbean culture – Antigua Carnival NEEDS to be on your list for 2020!

Til the next wink up,