The annual Caribana festivities on Barbuda begin today with an opening parade and ceremony to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Whit weekend event.

The parade starts at 1:00 pm from the Fisheries Complex in Codrington and will make its way to Caribana City on the River Road.

Participants in the parade include teenage pageant contestants, Caribana Swimwear delegates, and competitors in the Calypso Monarch competition.

The opening ceremony will feature addresses from a representative of the Ministry of Creative Industries, the head of tourism and culture for the Barbuda Council, and the head of the Caribana Planning Committee, Matthew John.

The Teenage Pageant competition will take place in the evening, and the contestants are Alaine Ambris, Janaecia Butler, Eden Beazer, Jeniah Simon, Alaina Ambris, Alrique Barker, and Jarell Dyer.

The Teenage Pageant competition will be judged in five categories: introduction, creative wear, performing talent, research, and interview.

On Friday night, the Caribana Cultural Swimwear competition will take place, featuring three delegates: Kalisha Brown, Kenya Alexander, and Saniqua Jeffrey.

The competition includes segments such as identical swimwear, Caribana pride, creative swimwear, and an interview.

On Saturday at River Dock, there will be all-day and night festivities including a fishing tournament, beach events, and an all-star show featuring the Burning Flames Band, Small Axe Band, and local soca artists.

The 2024 Calypso Monarch will take place on Sunday night, with seven artists performing two songs each: one soca/party song and one social commentary.