Antigua Carnival is gaining increased international attention after Forbes Magazine featured the annual festival in an article highlighting its authenticity, local music, vibrant culture and distinctive visitor experience.

Chairperson of the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission, Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, said the recognition validates the quality and uniqueness of the festival while introducing it to travellers who may not have previously considered Antigua and Barbuda a Carnival destination.

“It is significant. When an international publication such as Forbes highlights Antigua Carnival for its authenticity, local music and overall experience, it validates the quality and uniqueness of what we have been building,” Makhoul said.

“More importantly, it introduces Antigua Carnival to a new tier of international audience—people who may not have previously considered Antigua and Barbuda as a Carnival destination.”

The Forbes article, titled “The Four Best Things About Antigua Carnival,” comes as the Festivals Commission begins preparations for “Legendary 70,” the 70th anniversary of Antigua Carnival in 2027.

Makhoul said the international exposure presents an opportunity to attract more culturally motivated travellers, but stressed that future development must not undermine the festival’s Antiguan identity.

“As Carnival grows, we must protect what makes it authentically Antiguan. Our music, our people, our culture and the overall experience are what set us apart, and those elements must remain at the centre of our development,” she said.

According to Makhoul, the Commission intends to capitalise on the recognition by strengthening its international marketing and public relations efforts while expanding collaboration with tourism stakeholders, airlines, hotels and other partners.

The Commission will also develop content telling the story of Antigua Carnival’s seven-decade journey to audiences beyond its traditional markets.

“The goal is to convert awareness into interest, and ultimately into people choosing Antigua as their Carnival destination,” Makhoul explained.

She said Antigua Carnival’s combination of traditional culture and contemporary entertainment helps distinguish it from similar festivals across the region.

The celebration features Calypso, steelpan, pageantry, soca, J’ouvert, International Show, T-Shirt Mas and the Parade of Bands, offering what Makhoul described as some of the best road experiences in the Caribbean.