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Antigua
Carnival |
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The Carnival in
Antigua is a fantastic celebration of happiness.
For the history of the festival you have to step
back in time to 1st August 1834 when
slavery was abolished. People immediately celebrated
by taking to the streets to celebrate their freedom
and express their joy and happiness. Over the years
there was a return to this informal celebration
until 1957 when the first official Antiguan Carnival
was organised. Since then the festival has developed
into 10 days of music, dance and revellery, with
street marches, jump-ups and formal evening shows –
calypso, pan, and Carnival Queen pageants – always
around the last week in July the first week in
August. |
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For the
visitor to Antigua it is perhaps the best time to visit
Antigua to get a real insight into the culture of the country and to understand
the sheer joy people still feel at this time of year. As a
visitor you will be welcome to join in the spontaneous fun
that surrounds you.
The
Carnival takes place in the streets of St Johns, and in
Carnival City or the Antigua Recreation
Ground (A.R.G) – home of cricket in Antigua. Crowds of thousands of revellers attend the shoes every evening.
Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office outside the
grounds prior to or on the night. Along side
Carnival
City a festival village is
erected, where you can buy locally prepared BBQ chicken,
fish and burgers direct from the grill, as well as locally
prepared drinks. |
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On parade days – and nights
– you can find yourself a shady spot with a look out over
the parades – or don your trainers, and jump up behind one
of the many sound systems which pass you by. Don’t wear your
best out fit for this –as many of the locals will be
spraying water over the crowd to keep people cool. Whatever
you do don’t forget your water bottle as Carnival is
hot
work. |
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In the run up to Carnival
the building excitement is almost tangible, especially in
the streets of St Johns. If you go into the city at night
you may be lucky enough to pass by a Pan Band (Steel
Orchestra) practicing for the carnival. Each of the troupes
will be setting up Mas Camp – a base where beautiful,
colourful , intricate costumes are prepared and where they
troupes start marching from on the first Saturday of
Carnival – on their way to Carnival city to officially open
Carnival. |
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Carnival
Culminates in a massive street party called J’ouvert
(meaning day break) on the following first Monday in August.
The dancing literally goes on all night and stops mid
morning. |
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For more details of Carnival
in Antigua and a more detailed calendar of events
please visit:
www.antiguacarnival.com
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