The streets of St. John’s are set to come alive this afternoon as hundreds of children take centre stage in the 2026 Smalta Junior Carnival Parade, one of the signature family events of Antigua Carnival.

The parade steps off at 2 p.m. , with participants assembling from 1:30 p.m. on Parliament Drive (Old House of Culture) before making their way through the capital to Carnival City.

The official route takes masqueraders along Queen Elizabeth Highway , Independence Avenue , Redcliffe Street , Thames Street , High Street , back onto Independence Avenue , around the roundabout onto Old Parham Road , and finally along Coronation Road into Carnival City.

Organisers are encouraging the public to line the streets to support the young masqueraders, who will showcase colourful costumes, energetic performances and the creativity that has become a hallmark of Junior Carnival.

The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission said the annual parade promises “colourful costumes, big smiles, and unmatched creativity” as children celebrate the spirit of Carnival under this year’s theme, “Feel the Rhythm.”

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Junior Carnival Parade Brings Colour and Creativity to St. John’s.