Antigua & Barbuda : Carnival is Back!

Tuesday, Jul 19, 2022 0

Antigua & Barbuda : Culture and Carnival

Summer holiday travel season is in full swing. The word on the tarmac is things are pretty-hectic out there. But don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be. Good planning and a little patience go a long way. While the price of domestic airline flights has risen 47% since January, the cost of international flights remains stable.

Bottom line: Now is the time to take the family on that long-promised trip to Antigua and Barbuda.

Culture

Sure, come for the beaches, all 366 of them, in fact. But towel off for the cultural highlights. A&B offer endless experiences and heritage highlights that don’t require a beach towel. From well-preserved historical sights to stunning natural landmarks, whether you walk, cycle, sail, or take a guided tour, there are a wealth of things to explore.

Located in St. John’s 18th century courthouse, the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda will provide you with a comprehensive perspective on the island nation’s history. The timeless architecture of Nelson’s Dockyard (a UNESCO World heritage Site) and Betty Hope’s Sugar Plantation is not to be missed.

Other historical sites to add to your day-planner include:

St. John’s Cathedral

Shirley Heights

Fort Berkeley

Green Castle Hill

Carnival

For nearly two weeks (July 23- Aug 2nd) Antigua and Barbuda celebrate carnival. It’s a festival of culture and identity that dates to 1834 when slavery was finally abolished in the country. The island street party features everything from marching bands and parades to elaborate costumes and floats. Antigua’s Carnival is billed as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival and “a vehicle of expression” that highlights the country’s music, food, and colorful spirit.

Carnival events include the Parade of the Bands, Panorama Competition, Calypso Monarch, and many more. Smaller events including food and craft fairs, local concerts, cultural shows, beauty pageants, and children’s activities also take place during the two weeks of fun and revelry.

Antigua’s Carnival theme for 2022 is “Reigniting the spirit,” which is also a good phrase to describe what summer holiday travel is all about.

Historic Resorts with Fantastic Beaches

Of course, after dancing the night away (Carnival means serious dancing in Antigua, so pack your most comfortable sneakers), you’re going to need accommodations.

The aptly named Boom at Gunpowder, a 12 suite, 4 cottage historic site located on a 2-acre headland overlooking Nelson’s Dockyard is a history buff’s dream. The 12 suites are housed in the dockyard’s original Gunpowder house.

Other resorts of historical interest include…

Copper & Lumber

Caribbean history and charm come alive

The Great House

The last remaining stone plantation house on the island
~Recently Inducted into Historic Hotels Worldwide – Built in 1670

Catamaran Hotel

A very relaxed and friendly atmosphere on the edge of Falmouth Harbour

All hotel openings can be found HERE
For a list of certified accommodations, the latest information on travel advisories, FAQs and protocols, visit our website at https://visitantiguabarbuda.com/travel-advisory/.