It’s time for carnival! Soon, The Road March will take over Kingston in Jamaica and Caribbean Carnival will light up all the islands, but the celebration we see today has deep historical roots. So, what is Caribbean carnival history?
The history of Caribbean carnival
It’s believed that the Caribbean Carnival as we know it today started in the late 18th century in Trinidad and Tobago. There, enslaved people were banned from participating in the masquerades and Catholic celebrations of French plantation owners. Because of that, the community created defiant rituals. The discarded garments of the elite, for example, were made into costumes, and drumming songs would birth the now traditional Calypson rhythm.
What is carnival in the Caribbean like?
Several Caribbean islands are famous for their Carnival celebrations, but music and colorful costumes connect them all together. If you are planning to enjoy carnival on the islands, expect intricate clothing, lots of Calypso and soca music, and deep historical roots that are celebrated to this day.
Caribbean carnival in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago celebrates Carnival as a party of the people. The island is believed to be the first place in the Caribbean where carnival took root. Today, it’s common to see dance shows, parades, costumes and food festivals around the island during the celebration period. Firstly, the French had launched Carnival in the late 1700s as a masquerade ball for the colonizer elite, but the event would soon become a street spectacle. Trinidadian Carnival is now a multicultural historical landmark, and a staple of Caribbean Carnival.
Caribbean carnival in Jamaica
In Jamaica, the celebration spans through several cities across the island, from the capital Kingston to beachside towns like Ocho Rios. The most traditional celebrations of this period are the Road March of Kingston, beach Jouverts in cities like Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, and elaborate costumes as part of vibrant public parades all over.
Caribbean carnival in Barbados
In Barbados, Carnival takes place in July. The date historically reflects the end of the island’s sugar cane harvest. After the original festival ended in the 1940s, the re-imagined Crop Over of the 1970s and 1980s kept some of the original traditions like the Crop Over folk concert, a ceremonial delivery of the last canes, and crowning of the festival king and queen. Calypso and soca music are also a big part of Carnival in Barbados, and musician competitions can be seen around the island during this time, as well as parades.
When did Carnival begin in Jamaica?
Carnival officially began in Jamaica in 1990 with the launch of Bacchanal Jamaica, but its roots go back even further, just like in neighboring islands. Originally inspired by Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, it arrived in Jamaica through Caribbean nationals and locals who knew the celebration from their respective territories.
Interesting facts about Jamaica
As part of the Caribbean countries, Jamaica has its own set of cultural traditions that influence the history of Jamaicans to this day. Therefore, the island’s Carnival is full of facts about Jamaica itself.
The Road March in Kingston is the biggest Jamaica Carnival celebration
The end of Carnival for Jamaicans happens during Road March, where thousands take over the streets of Kingston in an explosion of music, dancing, and dazzling costumes. It’s the highlight of the season, bringing together both locals and visitors for what can only be described as an epic street party.
Most costumes are actually custom-made for Carnival
Inspired by traditional Caribbean Carnival, the costumes are adorned with feathers, gems, sequins, and bold colors—and many revelers opt for custom-made pieces to stand out in the parade. This shows how Caribbean Carnival costumes hold standards of their own, and actually influence the national economy.
Jamaica has its own musical rhythm
While soca and calypso music are widely present across carnival on the islands, Jamaica’s carnival also embraces dancehall, the island’s signature sound and an iconic staple for the history of Jamaicans.
Not all Carnival events are free
Not all Caribbean Carnival events in Jamaica are free—many require tickets for admission. Mas bands, for example, are a major highlight of Jamaica Carnival and often come with package costs covering exclusive access to road marches, costumes, and drinks. Beachside parties, a staple of the celebration, offer all-inclusive options with unlimited drinks, food, and live performance from DJs for a price. Popular events like Jouvert and themed fêtes also have entry fees.
Where to stay for the Caribbean Carnival?
Since the celebration is popular among tourists, bookings can become increasingly hard on all islands as the date approaches. In Jamaica, if big cities like Kingston and Montego Bay are full, an interesting option is to look for villas and hotels in towns like Ocho Rios and Discovery Bay, that are close to several Carnival events such as the famous beach Jouverts. This year, Jamaican Carnival will take place from April 23 to April 29.
