Carnival is a celebration of freedom held annually throughout the year in most Caribbean Islands. This celebration was initially brought to the Caribbean by European Slave traders, who hosted masquerade balls, excluding African Slaves. As emancipation around the Caribbean began, many slaves mocked the slave traders by coming together to dance, eat, and celebrate their freedom. Today, Carnival is a widely anticipated event throughout the Caribbean. Antigua’s carnival is one of the most anticipated events around the Caribbean. Although many islands claim to have the best carnivals, I may be a little biased when I say, Antigua is one of the best! This year I had the pleasure of not only attending the festivities but also the opportunity to participate in Jouvert morning.
Antigua’s Carnival is a thirteen-day festival beginning in late July and ending on the first Tuesday in August. The festival includes colorful costumes, beauty pageants, talent shows, music, and a plethora of parties or fetes as the locals call it. One of the biggest events of the Antiguan Carnival is Jouvert. During Jouvert, brass and steel bands perform on the road, starting early Monday morning and lasting until mid-morning. Usually between 3am-10am, to allow people time to prepare for Monday Mas. In Antigua, Carnival Monday and Tuesday are public holidays on the island.
This year, I joined Brewmasters Jouvert for the Monday morning festivities, along with my husband, older sister, brother-in-law, brother, and sister-in-law. This was an event I would remember for years to come. To join a band for Jouvert, you choose your preferred band based on your preferences and pay a one-time fee that includes a great deal of goodies to assist you along the road. Brewmasters Jouvert included a t-shirt (which you can choose to customize to your liking), a hat for protection from the sun, sunglasses, a scarf or flag for waving, a VIP band, a cup for unlimited drinks on the road, free breakfast, and soup on the road. Brewmasters also provides a mobile bathroom for the many trips you may need to take to the restroom after indulging in the unlimited top-shelf alcohol.
If you are not equipped to jam on the road for hours, you may opt to experience the different bands from the sidelines. Although my bones were not ready, I thoroughly enjoyed my time. I suggest wearing comfortable walking shoes for those who are like me and need a little cushion for back and knee support. This is an experience that I recommend anyone over the age of 18 to experience at least once in their lifetime. I look forward to next year when I can experience Carnival again!
