Parade of the Bands Takes Centre Stage as Antigua Carnival 2026 Continues

The streets of St. John’s are expected to come alive on Tuesday as Antigua Carnival 2026 continues with one of its most anticipated events, the Parade of the Bands.

According to the official parade route released by the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, the festivities are scheduled to begin at 12 noon on August 4, bringing colourful costumes, music and thousands of masqueraders and spectators into and around the capital.

The parade assembly point for floats, steel bands, cultural characters and winners will be at the corner of Factory Road and Parliament Drive.

Bands will assemble along Old Parham Road near the T.N. Kirnon School before proceeding east along Old Parham Road, turning right onto Simon Bolivar Drive and continuing through several major streets in St. John’s.

The route will take participants along Factory Road, Parliament Drive, Queen Elizabeth Highway, Independence Avenue, Redcliffe Street, Thames Street and High Street before entering the south-west gate of the Antigua Recreation Grounds and crossing the stage.

Following their appearance at the ARG, bands will exit left onto Coronation Road to reconnect with the procession along Old Parham Road.

Carnival celebrations will continue into the evening with the Last Lap from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Last Lap route begins east along Old Parham Road before moving through Nugent Avenue, Factory Road, Parliament Drive, Queen Elizabeth Highway, Independence Avenue, Redcliffe Street, Thames Street and High Street, before eventually returning to Old Parham Road.

The Parade of the Bands traditionally serves as one of the major highlights of Antigua’s Carnival celebrations, showcasing elaborate costumes, local creativity, music and the energy of participating mas bands.

Motorists and other road users are being encouraged to take note of the official routes and anticipate traffic disruptions and road closures as thousands of revellers take to the streets.

Tuesday’s activities form part of the climax of Antigua Carnival 2026, as residents and visitors continue to celebrate the country’s culture, music and mas under this year’s festivities.