ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Barbuda’s popular Caribana Festival, a four-day celebration of culture, music, and pageantry, normally held over the Whit weekend, is all set to make a grand comeback following a two-year absence.
The highly anticipated festival will take place this year from June 3 – June 6, under the theme ‘Reviving our culture needs me and you, Barbuda Caribana 2022’.
The culture coordinator within Barbuda’s tourism, sports, and culture department Jezette Davis said: “We promise it will be a weekend full of excitement, food, drinks, music, and plenty outside!”
Residents as well as visitors attending Caribana, will have the opportunity to enjoy the horse racing action, battle it out during the fishing tournament, dance to the sweet sounds of calypso and soca music, delight in Barbuda’s famed seafood specialties and much more.
Events taking place for Caribana include:
June 3: Little Mr and Miss Barbuda
June 4: Johnny Desuza Fishing Tournament & Beach Bash
June 5: Horse Race & Calypso Melting Pot
June 6: J’ouvert, Food Fair & Marketplace
The weekend starts with the ‘Little Mr and Miss Barbuda’ a cultural display of talent among the youths of Barbuda on Friday.
This will be followed by a day soaking up the sun and enjoying Barbuda’s River Beach with the fishing tournament and an epic beach bash packed with lots of games, music, and entertainment. On Sunday, the horse races will wow audiences, and in the evening, the stage will come alive with the eagerly-awaited ‘Calypso Melting Pot’ with each calypsonian aiming to emerge the winner.
The final showdown that culminates the four days of culture, sports, entertainment, and revelry is the J’ouvert on Monday, a spectacular display of masqueraders dressed in humorous fashions and colourful t-shirts dancing through the streets of Codrington to live band performances and DJ music. The Monday will also feature a not-to-be-missed food fair, that will display the culinary skills of amazing cooks in Barbuda and satisfy the appetite of revellers.
“Barbuda’s pink sand beaches, turquoise waters, Magnificent Frigatebird Sanctuary, and laid-back lifestyle have for years been an attraction for visitors. Those arriving in Barbuda for the Whit weekend, will be drawn into the vibrant celebrations and revel in the feel-good vibes that will surround Caribana City during the festival”, said marketing communications manager within the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Maria Blackman.
Visitors are advised to book flights, ferry, and accommodation early to ensure they don’t miss out on the excitement of Caribana.
