The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, in partnership with the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, is excited to announce the departure of our delegation that will represent Antigua Carnival during the peak weekend of Miami Carnival 2025.
Recognized as the largest Caribbean Carnival celebration in the United States, Miami Carnival attracts over 250,000 attendees annually, including Caribbean-Americans, party enthusiasts, and Festival travelers from around the world. For more than four decades, revelers and masqueraders have flocked to Miami to celebrate Caribbean culture, soaking up the sun, the music, and the unmatched soca energy. The festival’s calendar mirrors many of the signature elements of Antigua’s Carnival, including fetes, the Junior Carnival, Panorama Competition, J’ouvert, the Mas Parade, and the Concert Day.
This ongoing cultural exchange between Antigua Carnival and Miami Carnival continues to highlight the strong regional and cultural ties shared. One of the main features of this partnership is the inclusion of Antiguan soca artists on the Miami Carnival International Show. Over the past two years, this initiative has been revitalized to broaden participation, allowing Antiguan artists to perform at top-tier Miami Carnival events such as Citrus, No Borders, J’ouvert, One Link, One Fete, and the Miami Carnival International Show itself.
This year’s delegation includes representatives from the National Festivals Marketing Team and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, alongside some of Antigua’s most celebrated musical talents:
• Tian Winter – Groovy and Jumpy Soca Monarch
• Soca Villan – Road March Winner
• Island Princess – 1st Place Jumpy
• Kid Fresh – 2nd Place Jumpy
• Empress – 2nd Place Groovy
• DJ Quest – Producer and DJ
With more than a quarter-million revelers attending Miami Carnival annually, Antigua aims to capture at least 1% of that audience, the passionate “Carnival travelers and hoppers” seeking authentic island experiences and cultural immersion.
Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, Minister for Education, Sports and the Creative Industries, commended the initiative, noting the tangible impact of these efforts on Antigua’s Carnival: “Over the past two years, we have seen significant growth in the number of Carnival travelers visiting Antigua. This success did not happen by chance it’s the result of strategic marketing activations like this one. With American Airlines now operating three flights per day during our 2025 Carnival season, it’s a clear indicator of the progress our team has made in promoting Antigua as a leading Carnival destination.”
Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to empowering local artists and showcasing Antiguan talent on the global stage: “We are ensuring that our artists are fully supported for international exposure, from providing essential audio workshops to securing spots on major international events. The Commission remains dedicated to preparing and positioning our talent to shine. The rest, as we say, is up to them.”
Through this representation, the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission and the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority continue to strengthen the Antigua Carnival brand, positioning it as the premier choice for U.S.-based Carnival lovers seeking an authentic island experience. With its rich cultural heritage, high-energy performances, and vibrant atmosphere, with Antigua Carnival truly lives up to its reputation as “The Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival.”
– End –
