If you are like me, you have been bunkered down over the past two years, only coming up for air for backyard BBQs, house parties and wilding out during the periods that restrictions were lifted.
Now that the world is slowly returning to pre-COVID days, I know that some of us are looking forward to travelling and participating in carnivals.
Here are 8 carnivals that you can enjoy for the rest of 2022.
ATLANTA CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL
ATLANTA CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL – May 28, 2022
Now I know this may be a little last minute, but if you can find a list minute ticket, or you live in the area, this may be for you! They will have J’ouvert on May 27 from 9 pm to 4 am and the parade is set to begin at 11:30 AM with a concert to follow. The show’s headliners include Nadia Batson, Skinny Fabulous, Motto, Little Rick Tallpree and many more.
VINCY MASS
VINCY MASS – July 4 and 5, 2022
If you enjoy visiting Caribbean islands to get a more authentic experience, don’t forget that Vincy Mas is on and popping this year! As expected, Vincy Mas will be complete with its J’ouvert on Sunday, July 3, which will lead to its two-day carnival Monday and Tuesday. Besides the ever-present events that take place in each region, Arnos Vale Sporting Complex will have non-stop parties including the colour Fete on July 1. Besides flight tickets and accommodations, Vincy Mas is not a time that needs to be planned, there is always something going on and no shortage of fun.
BALTIMORE, WASHINGTON ONE CARNIVAL
BALTIMORE WASHINGTON ONE CARNIVAL – July 9 and 10, 2022
With an expected attendance of 35 000 attendees, Baltimore is back! The parade is scheduled for Saturday, July 9, 2022, from 1 PM to 5 PM. As with most carnivals, there are tons of events leading up to the actual parade. This includes a flag rave on Friday, July 8, 2022, beginning at 9 PM.
SAINT LUCIA VAVAL
ST. LUCIA VAVAL – July 18 and 19, 2022
Now, if you have not been to St. Lucia Carnival, you are truly missing out.
The music, costumes and culture are extraordinary. There is such pride in the parades and their music and pan competitions.
As with most Caribbean countries, there is a J’ouvert and many other events that are located throughout the entire island for locals and tourists alike to enjoy. If you haven’t been, I would add it to your bucket list!
TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL
TORONTO CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL – July 28 to August 1, 2022
Toronto Caribbean Carnival, or Caribana as it has been traditionally termed, is finally back after a two-year hiatus. Fun fact, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival is celebrating the 55th anniversary of the Grande Parade, which was first gifted to Canada by the Caribbean Community during Canada’s centennial celebrations. The parade will take place on Saturday, July 30.
While there will be no festivities on Toronto Island this year, there is the last lap event at Hotel X on Sunday, July 31.
BARBADOS CROPOVER
BARBADOS CROPOVER- August 1, 2022
Crop Over is the second most known carnival in the Caribbean, drawing visitors from across the globe. The famous Rihanna has been known to attend a Crop over or two. While they have made some modifications to their schedule format post-COVID, I am sure it will still be a spectacular event. The Grand Kadooment (the big parade) will take place on August 1 this year, however there will be no Kiddies parade this year. Despite the changes, there will be many official and unofficial events throughout the island that visitors and locals will attend.
GRENADA SPICEMAS
GRENADA SPICEMAS – August 8 and 9, 2022 & August 13, 2022
The J’ouvert masters will be having their carnival this year, and I cannot wait to see the pictures. Spicemas, a befitting name for the carnival in the land of spice is rooted in culture and tradition. The great thing about Spicemas is that if you are not in the capital, St. Georges, during the J’ouvert or the parades, there are local festivities throughout the island. Grenadians love to party, and I am sure those local events are just as good as those held in the capital. When you think it is all done, on August 13, Spicemas has an event called Au Revoir, which is their last lap.
MIAMI CARNIVAL
MIAMI CARNIVAL – October 9, 2022
The last major carnival for the year is Miami Carnival, which features four signature events, Junior Carnival, Panorama, J’ouvert and a costumed Parade & Concert. The parade starts at noon and ends at 11 PM with a concert that follows the judging of the bands. Like most other carnivals, there is a J’ouvert, which takes place on Saturday, October 8, 2022, and several official and unofficial events. An important note: all masqueraders and attendees are encouraged to wear a mask and keep it on while at all Miami Carnival events.
So come with a mask in your back pocket!
Whether you live in Canada, the US or the Caribbean, 2022 has many carnivals to experience and enjoy. We have all learned how important it is to seize the day and enjoy carnivals and events that are available this year, because you never know about next year.
Happy Revelling!
