There will be no official opening parade for Antigua’s Carnival this year, according to Mas and Parades Sub-Committee Chair Marcelle Freeland.

Instead, elements of the traditional cultural showcase will be incorporated into the LIAT T-shirt Mas on Friday, 26 July.

Freeland said the parade will start at the Old House of Culture and follow a route through Queen Elizabeth Highway, featuring stilt walkers, moko jumbies, John Bulls, steel and iron bands, and other traditional characters.

“We’re hoping to pay tribute to Claudette Peters, Burning Flames, and have Hell’s Gate participate in honour of their 80th anniversary,” she said.

Seventeen troupes have registered for T-shirt Mas. The parade is set for 3pm to 9pm and will follow a route from Old Parham Road near T.N. Kirnon School through several key city streets before returning to the starting point.

Judging will take place at three points: Factory Road (near the old Brother Bee gas station), Redcliffe Street (outside the Cultural Division), and the top of High Street.

Freeland urged all bands to be punctual for T-shirt Mas and all other scheduled parades.