Anguilla Carnival – August Monday
August Monday is always the first Monday of August, the biggest day of Anguilla Carnival. All other events that occur during the Anguilla Summer Festival line-up is planned around August Monday. It is the focus of Anguilla Carnival. August Monday is a full day which begins at 5amwhere thousands start celebrating.
The main attraction on August Monday is the famous “August Monday Boat race” which begins at 1pm. When the race is over, the party doesn’t stop there until 1 am the next morning! It begins at 5am Monday and continues until 1am Tuesday morning! It’s a big day, plan on taking a few naps on the beach throughout the day to keep your energy high!
J’ouvert – Anguilla’s Biggest Party!
For those not familiar with Caribbean Carnival, J’ouvert is a morning parade that begins before daybreak and is the traditional opening act for most Caribbean Carnivals. In Anguilla it’s one of the highlights of carnival season more so than the costumes parades. It is a showcase for local artists and musicians who compete for the title of “Road March Champion”.
Kicking off around 5am, thousands gather in the predawn-darkness to begin a six-hour march from The Valley to the beachfront of Sandy Ground. Along the way there is loads of drinking, dancing, and non-stop Soca tunes. Everyone is invited to join in the fun!
August Monday Boat Race
The main attraction on August Monday is the famous August Monday Boat race! It begins from Sandy Ground at 1PM. The boats must race around the island, and it lasts most of the afternoon. The first races are just qualifying ones to determine which boats will compete in the Champion of Champions Race which is held on the final Sunday of Carnival week.
Anguillans are very passionate about the August Monday boat races! Because most Anguillans will have a boat that they are associated with. Everyone follows the race closely! Many will even track the boats from land with their cars and binoculars in hand. You can also hop on a party boat which follows the race from the sea.
August Tuesday & August Wednesday
The next day there is another boat race as well as a Seafood Festival in Island Harbour that starts at 10AM and lasts until evening hours. It is often called a mini-Festival del Mar. There are three bands that will play throughout the day, and the most delicious fresh seafood BBQs taking place all over the island. In the evening is the senior Calypso Competition which is a hugely popular carnival event!
On Wednesday afternoon, another boat race takes place at Blowing Point which also counts towards the Champion of Champions race. In the evening is the Miss Anguilla Queens Pageant it is one of the most anticipated shows on the stage during Carnival week. The pageant includes a costume and swimsuit competition which is to show strength of self, in a competitive environment.
August Thursday
For those sailors who are disappointed with their Wednesday race results, they don’t have to fear because on August Thursday is the Meads Bay boat race, happening right in front of Carimar Beach Club. Meads Bay is the place to be on this day and while the boat race sets off there are loads of food trucks set up around the island as well as lots of live music.
Another highlight of the Anguilla Summer Festival is the daybreak fete – Eyes Wide Shut, which is an early morning beach party that takes place at Sandy Ground and features leading local and international artists.
August Friday – Parade of the Troupes
Friday is another highly anticipated carnival day and certainly the most colorful day of carnival! Anguilla, which is known as the Rainbow City, is becoming even more colorful today! It’s the second and final Road March called The Parade of Troupes. Beginning at midday it is a fun event for the whole family! Anyone is welcome to watch and even join in on the dancing.
It is a flamboyant, vibrant, and colorful celebration as the troupes’ dance through The Valley streets. The troupes are made up of different villages around the island of Anguilla and they make the streets come alive with music, color, and dance! The troupes are also judged on their costumes, their performance, and color and overall best troupe is selected!
The Anguilla Tourist Board has created a series of incredible costumes, that were inspired by the theme ‘Rainbow City’, whose cascading hues aim to reflect the Anguillan culture, people, experiences, flora, and fauna.
The different pillars of the “Rainbow City” experience are depicted through the 3 Anguillan sections – Spellbound, Hanami and Enchanted. Spellbound reflects the Anguillan Spirit. Hanami affirms the pride and strength of the Anguillan people. Enchanted signifies the power, strength, and royalty of the Rainbow people!
August Saturday
On Saturday is the Poker Run, which is an all-day event that attracts up to 100 boats, who make four stops at Da Vida’s, Island Harbour, Rendezvous Bay and Meads Bay. Each stop features a different beach party, loads of games, competitions, music, food, drinks, dance contests.
On Saturday night the Leeward Island Calypso Competition is held at the Landsome Bowl. Calypso is a huge part of Anguillan culture, so don’t miss this final competition!
August Sunday – The Champions of Champions Boat Race
The very last day of Carnival is when the Champion of Champions boat race final is held. The winner from each race during carnival week will compete in this final to find out who will become the official Champion of Champions! Sandy Ground is packed with avid boat lovers, and it is a fabulous close to the Anguilla Summer Festival!
On Sunday, Sandy Ground is sure to be packed with people one last time for the year. Yet, it is more peaceful than August Monday, and a nice end to the Anguilla Summer Festival. After carnival is over, then the island of Anguilla returns to its serene, quiet self!
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