With less than two weeks remaining before the official start of Antigua Carnival celebrations, travel demand for Antigua and Barbuda is on the rise.
“Carnival is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times to visit Antigua and Barbuda, and we are seeing that reflected with a surge in demand for our destination, particularly in the Canadian Market,” said Tameka Wharton, Antigua and Barbuda’s Director of Tourism, Canada Region. “This year’s Carnival is especially packed with parties and pageantry, and we look forward to welcoming so many old and new friends from abroad to our shores.”
Antigua Carnival 2025, which runs from July 25 to August 5, under the theme ‘Itz A Vibe, will deliver twelve days of non-stop vibes and experiences filled with mas, music and culture. This year’s celebration includes major musical milestones, as the destination marks the 80th anniversary of Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra, 40 years of Burning Flames, and 25 years of Claudette “CP” Peters.
The packed carnival schedule released by the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, offers an exciting line-up to include: the popular T-Shirt Mas on July 26, Burning Flames’ 40th anniversary concert on July 30, Annual Watchnight Gathering and the Caribbean Melting Pot on July 31, the Panorama Steelband competition on August 2, Party Monarch on August 3, and the traditional J’ouvert morning, Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday mas on August 4 and 5 respectively The carnival season draws to an end with Last Lap, that sees carnival goers take one last jump-up through the streets of St. John’s on the night of August 5.
Airlines are responding to the demand for travel to the destination from visitors and diaspora all hoping to enjoy the festivities. American Airlines has added an additional flight from Miami for July 25 – July 28, while Caribbean Airlines is operating a special flight from Toronto to Antigua on July 31 and returning on August 6 to help facilitate travel for Carnival. These flights complement the existing weekly service from Air Canada and WestJet on Sundays.
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, and the Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority are gearing up for increased arrivals into the destination within the coming weeks and have begun arrangements for a festive welcome of visitors. For more information on Antigua Carnival and special travel offers go to: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com,
