Antigua Carnival 2026 opened Saturday with thousands of revellers taking to the streets of St. John’s for the annual Opening Parade and T-Shirt Mas.

Wearing colourful T-shirts and costumes, participants danced behind music trucks as soca music echoed throughout the capital. Carnival bands and masqueraders also joined the parade, bringing music, dancing and colour to the streets.

Minister of Festivals Dwayne George was among those participating in the festivities. George joined members of Bacchanal Carnival while representing Insane Carnival, mingling and dancing with revellers along the parade route.

The strong turnout marked the official start of Antigua Carnival 2026, with competitions, cultural events and street celebrations scheduled throughout the festival.

Antigua Carnival is promoted as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival.

Photos courtesy of state media (ABS).

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Thousands Fill St. John’s as Antigua Carnival 2026 Opens With T-Shirt Mas.