Carnival Shake-Up on the Table as PM Questions Calypso’s Prime Friday Slot

Major changes could be coming to the Antigua Carnival calendar ahead of the festival’s 70th anniversary, with Prime Minister Gaston Browne suggesting that the Calypso Monarch competition may no longer be strong enough to command one of Carnival’s prime weekend nights.

On Saturday night, during his weekly radio program, Prime Minister Browne argued that the final Thursday, Friday and Saturday before J’ouvert should feature the strongest possible events.

He questioned whether Calypso can continue to justify its current position on the Friday night, given concerns about attendance, and floated the possibility of moving the competition.

During the discussion, several alternatives were raised, including returning Party Monarch to Saturday night and placing Calypso on another night. Browne said he could live with a Sunday-night Calypso final, while acknowledging the challenge of staging a major show immediately before J’ouvert.

The Prime Minister said one recent Calypso event reportedly attracted only about 80 paying patrons, a figure he described as serious.

His central argument was that Carnival’s peak weekend must be programmed to keep the festival energetic and competitive at a time when private fêtes are drawing large crowds.

Browne also suggested that Melting Pot, which has developed into one of the festival’s most consistently supported shows, could be positioned on a stronger weekend night.

The discussion is likely to intensify as planning begins for Antigua Carnival 2027, which will mark the festival’s 70th anniversary.

Browne said suggestions should be considered as organisers look at how to create a stronger programme and increase attendance at official Carnival events.