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Jamaica Carnival
All You Need To Know

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Jamaica Carnival - Kingston Road MarchJamaica Carnival - Kingston Road March (Photo Credit: Carnivaland)

by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer

Carnival has long been a part of Caribbean culture, although Carnival Jamaica didn’t really take off until Hurricane Gilbert and the national elections thwarted the plans of the Trinidad Carnival.

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The many revellers turned their attention to Jamaica to keep the carnival that year and the rest is history. Jamaica Carnival, specifically in Kingston is one of the biggest in the Caribbean and each year it just gets better. 

When Is Carnival In Jamaica?

Carnival in Jamaica is usually held from late March to early April, after the period of lent. Those plans have been somewhat altered but only for 2022 when the carnival will be held in July 2022 as the world recovers from COVID-19. But as of 2023, Carnival will return to its original schedule in spring.

What is Carnival Like In Jamaica?

Jamaica Carnival CostumeJamaica Carnival Costume (Photo Credit: Carnivaland)

Well, it isn’t that different to other Carnivals in the Caribbean, it just has a local flare. You already know it begins right after Easter celebrations, Jamaica kicks off its carnival week the evening of Easter Sunday and it is a nonstop party every night until the following weekend when it culminates in Kingston with Road March.

There are some staple events that are a must go for both local and international revellers.

  • Rum For Breakfast - the ultimate breakfast party that includes, of course, breakfast, rum and music. There are, usually up to four Djs for the morning event which begins at 5 AM and ends at 12 PM.

  • Bacchanal Premium - Think everything premium. The foods and liquor (all-inclusive I must add), the music and the overall vibe.

  • Bacchanal Jouvert - The paint fete and road march which begins and ends at Mas Camp. The route is cordoned off for the many ecstatic soca lovers to be free to fete the way they want to without much need to worry.

  • Road March - Road march is, well, as the name says. It is a big street event where people dance to the music being played and enjoy premium liquors on their way to the final stop.

There are many other smaller parties and activities related to Jamaica Carnival throughout the carnival season. And these activities are just in Kingston alone. Kingston is the centre of Carnival in Jamaica with 4 of the five main masquerade bands based there (the other is in Ocho Rios).

The biggest road marches take place here as well so if you love being at the centre of the excitement then Kingston Carnival is exactly where you need to be.

Many other carnival parties are kept in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril including breakfasts, brunches, night events and road marches on a much smaller scale.

Where Do You Get Tickets?

Tickets for Carnival Jamaica can be purchased from the brand behind Jamaica Carnival, Bacchanal Jamaica. The tickets give every patron all-inclusive access to the events. And by all-inclusive, I mean all food and drink included in the prices as well as paramedic services, and the mobile restroom.

If you would like, some events also offer VVIP tickets which come with exclusive perks as well, including delivery of costumes, concierge services, party tickets, a personalized meet and greet, departure services for overseas customers, and other special provisions during the parade.

Where Do You Get Costumes For Carnival Jamaica?

Your brightly coloured, feathered and beaded suits for the road marches can also be ordered from Bacchanal Jamaica. The outfit is given out on the morning of the carnival to ensure it isn’t ruined during travel. 

The costumes can be seen on their website or at their Mas Camp location on select days before the Carnival season. If you purchase your costume and then decide not to attend, you won’t be refunded.

However, if you decide with enough time before Carnival Jamaica begins, then Bacchanal Jamaica can try to facilitate reselling your costume for you.

Where Can I Stay During Carnival Jamaica?

It depends on where you are. Whether you are staying in Kingston, Ocho Rios, Montego Bay or Negril there are resorts ranging from comfortable and quaint to modern and luxurious.

Pro Tips For First Time Attendees At Carnival Jamaica

Well, we would hope repeat offenders know the drill by now and are able to help out the newcomers along the way. Either way here are the tips for newcomers at Carnival Jamaica (and a refresher for returning revellers).

  • Have a filling, carbohydrate-heavy breakfast, to keep up with your drinking (if you will be drinking), throughout the day.

  • Leave your valuables at home. Your costume does not need expensive embellishments and your ticket is all-inclusive. Only bring valuables you can fit on your person discreetly. 

  • Hydration is important, remember you will be in the sun constantly for hours. The rule is one bottle of water for every 3 alcoholic drinks. This way you are hydrated and sober.

  • Hydrating the body outside is just as important. Do not forget your sunscreen.

  • Comfortable footwear is key to having a good time. Sneakers are best and don’t break out the new ones either. A worn-in pair is perfect for the rigours of the road.

  • Keep within the confines of the security ropes and stick with your friends or group. Listen and follow the security personnel’s instructions. 

  • The drinks and provisions on the band are for the revellers only. You are not allowed to share these with onlookers or you will be removed from the band if caught doing this.

  • Bring safety pins, body tape and hairpins just to ensure everything is safe and secure when you don your costume.

You can visit Bacchanal Jamaica’s website: https://www.bacchanaljamaica.com/ for more updates as the date of Carnival Jamaica arrives.

If you would like to add a few days to your Carnival Jamaica trip and explore a little of the island here are some attractions you can visit.

Oh, and my final tip, have fun, Carnival Jamaica happens once a year!

Drink responsibly.

Contact Information For Bacchanal Jamaica

  • WhatsApp: +1 (876) 423-5735
  • Website: https://www.bacchanaljamaica.com/contactus.html

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References & Sources For Jamaica Carnival

  1. Bacchanal rolls out plans – Jamaica Observer, https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/bacchanal-rolls-out-plans/b  
  2. Bacchanal Jamaica, https://www.bacchanaljamaica.com/
  3. Carnival in Jamaica,https://www.visitjamaica.com/carnival-in-jamaica/

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