The curtain has officially fallen on Antigua Carnival 2026, ending nearly two weeks of music, mas, culture and celebration that once again transformed the nation’s capital into the heartbeat of the Caribbean.

Marketed as the “Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival,” this year’s Carnival drew thousands of residents, returning nationals and visitors who packed the streets of St. John’s for an exciting programme of pageants, competitions, fetes, steelpan, calypso, soca, J’ouvert and the colourful Parade of the Bands.

(Photo Credit: Wayne Mariette)

As the festivities came to a close on Tuesday, organisers announced the official results, recognising the individuals and groups whose performances stood out throughout the festival.

Among the biggest winners was Sechuns The Band, which captured the coveted Band of the Year title after delivering an impressive showing during the Parade of the Bands. The troupe also won the Carnival Tuesday Large Band category, edging out Insane Carnival and Myst Carnival to secure Carnival’s highest mas honour.

Myst Carnival, however, celebrated success of its own after winning the Carnival Monday Wear Large Band competition, finishing ahead of Sechuns The Band and Insane Carnival.

(Photo Credit: Wayne Mariette)

The Carnival Tuesday Small Band title went to RT Performers Cultural Entertainment, while Bachannal Carnival and WACC Mas claimed first and second runner-up positions, respectively.

The celebrations began with T-Shirt Mas, where Insane Carnival emerged victorious ahead of Myst Carnival and Rebel Nation.

J’ouvert also produced several winners, with Liberta Black Thing taking the prize for First Band on the Road and Caution earning recognition as the Largest Band on the Road. High Voltage captured the title of First Jam Band on the Road, while Revo Band was named Sweetest Jam Band.

(Photo Credit: Wayne Mariette)

In the Best J’ouvert Troupe competition, ChattaBox Company Ltd. claimed top honours ahead of Flava FM One Caribbean and Brewmasters J’ouvert Troupe.

The Central Board of Health was awarded Best Float, with the Ministry of Agriculture, Lands and Fisheries taking first runner-up honours and the Chinese Association placing third.

(Photo Credit: Wayne Mariette)

The soundtrack of Carnival belonged to Ballo, whose hit “Bang E Line” claimed the 2026 Road March title after being played 101 times during the official judging period. “Gyal Sidung” by Soca Villan and Island Prince finished second with 89 plays, while Dan Knowledge’s “Shake It Off” secured third place with 74 plays.

This year’s Carnival also produced memorable champions across several major competitions. Zaine Frederick captured the 2026 Queen of Carnival Title, while Young Lyrics captured the Groovy Soca Monarch title, Tian Winter was crowned Jumpy Soca Monarch, King Young Destroyer won the Calypso Monarch, and CUB Hell’s Gate Steel Orchestra successfully defended its dominance in the Panorama competition.

(Photo Credit: Wayne Mariette)

With Carnival 2026 now concluded, organisers have already turned their attention to next year’s celebrations.

Antigua Carnival 2027 will run from July 20 to August 3 under the theme “Legendary 70,” marking the 70th anniversary of the country’s premier cultural festival.

The landmark edition is expected to celebrate seven decades of Carnival history while paying tribute to the generations of musicians, calypsonians, pannists, mas makers, designers, performers and volunteers whose contributions have helped establish Antigua Carnival as one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated summer festivals.

(Photo Credit: Wayne Mariette)

With the dates already announced, anticipation has begun building for what organisers believe will be one of the most memorable Carnival celebrations in the nation’s history.