Thong and G-String Culture Invades Antigua’s Carnival Celebrations

A prominent legal expert has expressed concerns over the lack of a dress code amongst revelers during carnival celebrations in Antigua and Barbuda.

The lawyer, who prefers to remain anonymous, believes that this year’s carnival has witnessed a significant level of nudity, which may not be suitable for children.

“When I went to town and saw what I saw, I was troubled because children have the right to be in the carnival. Parents have the right to bring their children to participate. Is this thing going too far? he said

According to the lawyer, carnival is a time to reflect on liberation from slavery and for children to enjoy parades and costumes.

However, he said the nudity may affect the children, admitting that he could not take his children to St John’s due to this concern.

Women of all sizes have been seen wearing bikinis on the streets during T-Shirt Mas and J’ouvert, with some opting for smaller Brazilian bikinis or those featuring only a thin strip that covers their rear.

The lawyer is not alone in his concern, as many people share the same sentiment over social media.

“The purpose of carnival is to celebrate the abolishment of slavery, the freedom of the human spirit from oppression, and the consequences of slavery. However, the carnival has become more like a fashion show, with a focus on who can wear the least amount of clothing,” he said

“What is the purpose of carnival? Historically, it is to celebrate the abolishment of slavery, the freedom of the human spirit from oppression, and the consequences of slavery. So much gyration. Is that really what we want carnival to be remembered as? Is it what it is?”

The lawyer believes that the government should rethink the carnival’s purpose and whether wearing the least amount of clothing is a true reflection of the festival.

“I think those responsible should have a serious rethink of the purpose of the carnival and whether the practice of wearing the least number of clothes is the purpose and a true reflection of the carnival,” he said.

However, the Minister responsible for the carnival, Daryll Mathew, believes that morality cannot be legislated and that the government cannot introduce any dress code during the carnival.

According to Mathew, the issue of nudity is pervasive throughout the Caribbean and the diaspora, and it isn’t easy to find a solution to address it.

“It is difficult for me to find a solution to address it. As bad as it is, it is not unique to Antigua and Barbuda. It is pervasive throughout the Caribbean and also the diaspora.  For some reason, women either get increased confidence or the costumes and attire get smaller. It is a commentary that we hear all the time but short of any concrete recommendations; I am not sure where we go with that”, he said.