Although the excitement from Carnival Tuesday in Trinidad is still buzzing in the air—and on social media—many are undoubtedly already dreaming about the next time they’ll be able to “play mas*” If that sounds like you, or if experiencing carnival in the Caribbean is on your bucket list, here are some upcoming Caribbean carnival dates to consider.
Bacchanal Jamaica
Date: April 12th – 18th, 2024
This April, head to Kingston for Bacchanal in Jamaica. Usually held a week after Easter, this Caribbean Carnival celebration features tons of concerts, fetes, and a carnival road march. You’ll also be able to find plenty of festivities in Negril and Montego Bay.
Vincy Mas (St. Vincent & The Grenadines)
Date: June 28th – July 12th
St. Vincent Carnival, better known as Vincy Mas, takes place in June and July. Set to include grand events like the Miss SVG pageant, the Parade of the Bands, and a Calypso Monarch competition, it’s one of the biggest annual events of the island nation and is sure to make for a memorable summer.
Crop Over (Barbados)
Date: July 31st – August 06th, 2024
A carnival celebration that is over 300 years old, Barbados’ Crop Over features a series of events that take place over several weeks. What began as a way to celebrate the end of the sugar cane season during the era of slavery has evolved into a grand event that celebrates Barbadian culture and heritage. Main events include Grand Kadooment Day, which features a grand parade and serves as this Caribbean carnival’s epic finale. This year, it takes place on August 5th.
Spicemas (Grenada)
Date: August 07th – August 14th, 2024
The “spice isle” of the Caribbean celebrates carnival during the summer. Spicemas is a high-energy celebration that allows revelers to enjoy an undiluted Caribbean experience that includes everything from J’ouvert to Jab Jab to pretty mas. Spicemas is often hailed as being one of the most vibrant carnivals in the region, having maintained its authenticity in the face of over-commercialization.
Belize Carnival 2024
Dates: September 7th, September 21st
The month of September is Belize’s most active month in terms of local festivals and celebrations. That includes a host of carnivals taking place across the country. The first is the Belize City road march, the largest and oldest of them all, which usually takes place in the first or second week of the month. This year, it’s happening on Saturday, September 7th. Meanwhile, San Pedro Town, Placencia, and Orange Walk Town all throw their own grand carnival parades on Independence Day, September 21st.
Placencia Carnival. Photo by @belizemytravels on IG
Similar: Carnival Season Is in Full Swing: Join in on the Revelry With Belize Carnivals
Trinidad Carnival 2025
Date: February 26th to March 5th, 2025.
Trinidad Carnival 2024 concluded on Tuesday, February 13th. Those hoping to visit the twin-island nation for the full carnival experience, though, can look to Carnival 2025— just consider planning early. Trinidad Carnival is hailed as the mother of all carnivals, after all, and that means every year, thousands look forward to attending.
*To play mas means to participate in carnival by joining a masquerade (mas) group or band.
Featured: Placencia Carnival. Photo by @belizemytravels on IG
