Caribbean Carnival 2023 Calendar
Carnival is quite possibly the world's biggest party, and for the Caribbean islands that celebrate it they prepare all year long for this fete. So what are the Caribbean calendar dates for 2023 by Island? Keep reading to find out.
Now even though some of these carnival dates are just around the corner for some islands, there is still plenty of opportunity to join in on the fun on other islands later in the year.
What is Carnival? A VERY Brief History
Carnival is traditionally the period before lent and has its roots in christianity stemming from the 1300's. We first see common carnival traditions like the parades and mask wearing first appearing in medieval Italy.
From Italy, these traditions spread to Spain, Portugal and France. Once these nations colonized the Caribbean, they brought their carnival traditions with them.
Today, Caribbean nations celebrate carnival as a way to celebrate their freedoms from slavery, colonization and to unify with their countrymen. Many of the original traditions that were first established long ago, are still visible today like the mask wearing, parades and costumes.
Each island has it's own unique traditions and customs for how they celebrate carnival; adding to the richness and beauty of this worldwide celebration.
Carnival typically takes place on Tuesday, and is referred to as 'Carnival Tuesday'. Some islands have other events around Carnival Tuesday, like Jovert, Carnival queen, and more.
Carnival is almost always happening, with a celebration 10 of the 12 months out of the year.
Planning Your Trip
Participating in the worlds largest party does require some planning. Many people start their planning from the year before; depending on what island you plan on going to for carnival. Other islands require a little less time. The biggest problem you'll run into with last minute carnival planning is lodging because an island will always have a limited supply or resources due to its size. This is one of the main reasons you'll want to plan your trip with some advance timing.
February Caribbean Carnival Dates 2023
Before we get into the Caribbean dates for 2023, it's worth pointing out that this list does not include popular non-Caribbean carnivals that are held by Caribbean communities in locations like Miami, London, and Toronto.
Martinique Carnival 2023
Location: Saint-Pierre, Martinique
Dates: February 16-22 2023
Official Website: https://www.carnivaland.net/martinique-carnival/
Carnival De Ponce 2023
Location: Ponce, Puerto Rico
Dates: February 18-21, 2023 *Dates not confirmed but it's always the weekend before lent.
Official Website: https://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/ponce-carnival/
Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2023
Location: Port-Of-Spain, Trinidad
Dates: February 20-21, 2023
Curacao Carnival 2023
Location: Curacao
Dates: February 20, 2023
Official website: https://www.curacao.com/en/why-curacao
Guadeloupe
Location: Islandwide
Dates: February 20, 2023
Official Website: https://www.guadeloupe-islands.com/carnival/
Carriacou Carnival 2023
Location: Carriacou
Dates: February 20-21, 2023
Haiti Kanaval 2023
Location: Haiti
Dates: February 21, 2023
Official Website: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/common/carnival-tuesday
Dominican Republic Carnival 2023
Location: La Vega and Dominican Republic
Dates: February 23-27, 2023
Official Website: https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/about-dr/carnival/
Aruba Carnival 2023
Location: Oranjestad, Aruba
Date: February 20-22, 2023 *There are many events for carnival in Aruba starting in November the year before. These dates reflect the actual dates of the main carnival parade.
Official Website: https://www.visitaruba.com/things-to-do/carnival/aruba-carnival-schedule/
April Caribbean Carnival Dates 2023
Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Celebrations 2023
Location: British Virgin Islands
Dates: April 7 2023 *The calendar on the official website has not been updated.
Official Website: https://www.vicarnivalschedule.com/virgingorda/
Jamaica Carnival 2023
Location: Kingston, Jamaica
Dates: April 12-18, 2023
Official Website: https://www.visitjamaica.com/carnival-in-jamaica/carnival-bands/
St. Thomas Carnival 2023
Location: St. Thomas
Dates: April 23, 2023 *The calendar on the official website has not been updated.
Official Website: https://www.vicarnivalschedule.com/
St. Maarten- St. Martin Carnival 2023
Location: St. Maarten (St. Martin)
Dates: April 30th, 2023
July Caribbean Carnival Dates 2023
SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES CARNIVAL 2023
Location: St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Date: July 3 - 4, 2023
Official website: http://www.tourism.gov.vc/tourism/
SAINT LUCIA CARNIVAL 2023
Location: Castries, St. Lucia
Date: July 13 - 20, 2023
Official Website: https://www.stlucia.org/en/experiences/festivals-events/
CARNIVAL OF SANTIAGO DE CUBA 2023
Location: Cuba
Date: July 18- 27, 2023
BONAIRE EUSTATIUS AND SABA FESTIVAL 2023
Location: Bonaire, Eustatius and Saba
Date: July 31, 2023
Official website: https://www.sabatourism.com/saba-island-events/
BONAIRE CARNIVAL 2023
Location: Aruba, Bonaire, And Curacao
Date: July 29, 2023
Official Website: https://infobonaire.com/annual-events/bonaires-karnaval-carnival-celebration/
August Caribbean Carnival Dates 2023
EMANCIPATION FESTIVAL - TORTOLA (BVI)
Location: British Virgin Island
Date: August 5 - 7, 2023
Official website: https://www.bvitourism.com/
NEVIS CULTURAMA 2023
Location: Saint Kitts and Nevis
Date: August 8, 2023
Official website: https://www.culturamanevis.com/
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA CARNIVAL 2023
Location: St. John, Antigua and Barbuda
Date: August 7, 2023
BARBADOS CROP OVER 2023
Location: Bridgetown, Barbados
Date: August 7 - 14, 2023
Official Website https://www.visitbarbados.org/
SPICEMAS - GRENADA 2023
Location: Carriacou, Grenada
Date: August 1-15, 2023
Official website: https://spicemasgrenada.com/
TBD Dates
GUYANA MASHRAMANI 2023- It will most likely be some time in February.
BAHAMAS JUNKANACOO CARNIVAL 2023-Traditionally held in April.
CAYMAN CARNIVAL BATABANO 2023- Probably some time in May.
MAIMI CARNIVAL 2023- Probably in October
LONDON NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL 2023-Usually in August