Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Creative Industries, Daryll Matthew, has praised Carnival 2025 as a “very successful” event, crediting years of planning and collaboration.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Matthew said the festival had benefitted from strong coordination between government agencies, media, corporate sponsors, and public support.

“This year’s celebration came together beautifully,” he said, highlighting high-quality music, vibrant pageantry, and record-breaking attendance.

He pointed to the community’s strong involvement as a key highlight, particularly the unexpectedly large turnout at the Calypso Semi-Finals.

“We turned it into a ‘cooler fete’ like the Party Monarch semis, and the response was astonishing,” he noted.

While crowd favourites like the Melting Pot remained popular, Matthew said he was especially encouraged by support for the Calypso Monarch competition, calling it a sign that “Calypso is alive and well.”