Carnival in Jamaica is about one thing… having the time of your life! Jamaica Carnival is the ultimate party. Jamaica Carnival attracts over 100,000 guests and locals to the celebration. Jamaica Carnival is a true expression of the island’s spirit where people both young and old spend months preparing for the party of the year!
When is Jamaica Carnival 2023?
What date is Jamaica Carnival 2023? Which month is the Jamaica Carnival? Jamaica Carnival usually takes place from Easter Sunday until the following weekend. The 2023 Jamaica Carnival will take place on April 12 until April 18, 2023.
Where is Jamaica Carnival 2023?
Jamaica Carnival occurs mainly in the center of Kingston, Ocho Rios resort areas and Montego Bay. The four major masquerade bands are based in Kingston and one in Ocho Rios. The main road marches take place here as well as special shows featuring international and local musical talent.
What is Carnival in Jamaica?
How do they Celebrate Carnival in Jamaica?
Well the best way to find out is to come and experience Jamaica Carnival for yourself! Jamaica Carnival is a fusion of incredible food, music, costumes, colour, rum and dance!
Jamaica is famous for being the home of reggae music and along with soca and calypso music forms a proud part of their national identity. Reggae, soca, dancehall, calypso dominate all the parades and parties making carnival one of their biggest cultural celebrations.
The biggest event of Jamaica carnival is the National Carnival Road March which is an electric masquerade parade with competing mas bands. It is a day where you will see thousands dance in the most stunning and colorful costumes, when loads of rum is consumed and when the whole island joins together in celebration.
In the lead up to the Jamaica National Carnival Road March there are weekly fun-filled events that occur all over the island. There are beach parties, fetes, J’ouvert, smaller street parades, mas camps, competitions and lots of live music events. For two months before the big parade there are loads of weekly soca parties where the locals party the night away.
The National Carnival Road March – Jamaica
Carnival in Jamaica leads up to and culminates in the Jamaica Carnival Road march which is hosted in the capital city of Kingston. The National Carnival road march sees 5000 revelers partake in the event. All along the parade route are huge crowds of spectators with tents and BBQs out ready to celebrate from the sidelines.
The masquerades are dressed up in the most beautiful, colorful and magnificent costumes lighting up the streets. The costumes are adorned with jewels, feathers, headdresses, wings and come in all colours of the rainbow.
The music pumps out and grows louder as the parade approaches. It is a dance of non-stop music, dancing and rum drinking. The revelers are having the time of their life and the parade is the epitome of people uniting and living in the moment.
Fete’s Jamaica Carnival
Every year as carnival in Jamaica continues to grow and become more popular the number of Jamaica parties also continues to grow. For months prior to carnival there are lots of weekly fetes that countdown to the big carnival day. Fetes usually give way to weeklong partying that occurs during the Easter weekend.
The most popular events include a sunrise breakfast party, I love Soca & Afloat, Frenchmen events. Several Trinidadian fete promoters also host big events in Jamaica including Caesar’s Army, DJ Private Rian and Tribe to name a few. There are several different J’Ouvert parties that occur for the different bands.
Tickets to fetes can range from around $US50 to $125 depending on which ones you attend. The popular parties sell out very quickly, so if you want to attend the best ones you need to purchase your tickets quick smart!
Mas Bands Jamaica Carnival
The best way to enjoy carnival in Jamaica is to join in and play mas! There are four carnival bands that each offer their own unique Jamaica carnival experience. The Jamaica carnival mas bands are:
- Bacchanal Jamaica
- Ocho Rios Carnival Band
- Xaymaca International
- Xodus Carnival
Each band offers an all-inclusive carnival experience however some are better then others. Xaymaca and Xodus are both young carnival bands that are new on the scene. Honestly though it doesn’t matter which band you pick because you are bound to have the time of your life!
Where to stay for Jamaica Carnival?
Again as the main events occur in Kingston that is the most convenient place to stay for carnival. There are plenty of hotels to choose from. The best neighbourhoods are New Kingston, Mona, Manor Park, Constant Spring, Cherry Gardens and Norbrook. Jamaica is home to some large international resorts if that is more up your alley.
Check out Booking.com for some accommodation deals here.
Book your Hotel and Flight for the Jamaica Carnival
How to get to Jamaica Carnival?
Jamaica is a major tourist destination and has two major airports. As the majority of carnival celebrations take place in Kingston, the best airport to arrive at is the Normal Manley International Airport. An average flight costs around $350 departing from Miami or Fort Lauderdale USA.
How to get around for Jamaica Carnival?
There are plenty of Taxi and chauffer services that are available in Jamaica. You are also able to rent a car for about $300 a week.
How much is Jamaica Carnival?
Unlike Trinidad Carnival you do not have to spend a fortune to experience carnival here is an estimated weekly budget in $US for carnival:
- Accommodation can cost anywhere from $120 to $800 depending on your level of comfort and luxury.
- Flights can cost around $300 from west coast USA to up to $1000 from Europe
- Fete tickets can depend on how many you attend and how popular the fete is and can cost you around $300- $600
- Costumes can set you back from around $400 to $1000 for women and for men the average price is about $500. You always have the cheaper option of joining the T-shirt section of a mas band which will generally cost around $250.
- Take about $500 for spending money which includes eating and drinking and see some locals sights. Cost of living in Jamaica is low so you don’t need a big budget for the week.
What To Do and see in Jamaica?
Jamaica has it all!! Stunning beaches, adventure, unforgettable experiences, a lively nightlife, delicious Jamaican cuisine and loads of friendly people. It’s really up to you if you just want to relax on a beach or if you want to be more adventures and go snorkelling or diving.
Is Jamaica Safe?
Recently Jamaica has had a bad reputation when it comes to crime. There are drug trafficking gangs across the country, and in certain parts violence and gun crime are rife. Unfortunately Tourists aren’t exempt: but the most common crime is petty theft and robberies. During Carnival however, there is a huge police presence. So be aware of your valuables at all times or even leave them back at your hotel and only bring some cash with you.
