There are 12 Caribbean Carnivals on our 2027 calendar, and every one has its own personality. If it's your first time playing mas, the best Carnival is the one that fits the trip you want. Here's how they break down.
Easiest for First-Timers: Barbados Crop Over
Crop Over is often called one of the easiest Carnivals for first-timers, with well-organized bands, good hotels and easy transportation. Grand Kadooment is August 2, 2027. Explore Barbados Crop Over
Small and Welcoming: Saint Lucia Carnival
Saint Lucia Carnival is smaller and welcoming, which is why so many first-time and solo masqueraders love it. Carnival Monday and Tuesday are July 19–20, 2027. Explore Saint Lucia Carnival
Budget-Friendly: Antigua, Grenada, Saint Vincent and Dominica
Antigua Carnival, Grenada Spicemas, Vincy Mas in Saint Vincent and Mas Domnik in Dominica are often more budget-friendly ways to play mas. Antigua's main days are August 2–3, 2027, the year it celebrates its 70th anniversary, and Spicemas follows on August 9–10. Explore Antigua Carnival · Explore Grenada Spicemas
The Biggest: Trinidad Carnival
If you want the biggest and most famous mas experience in the Caribbean, Trinidad is the one to choose; just plan further ahead, because costumes sell out early. Carnival Monday and Tuesday are February 8–9, 2027. Explore Trinidad Carnival
Party Priority: Jamaica Carnival
If the parties are your priority, Jamaica is the one to pick. Road March is April 4, 2027. Explore Jamaica Carnival
Weekend Trip: Bahamas Carnival
Bahamas Carnival is one of the easiest to do as a weekend trip. Road March is June 5, 2027. Explore Bahamas Carnival
Village Vibe: Sint Maarten Carnival
Sint Maarten Carnival has a village vibe, centered on the Carnival Village with concerts most nights. The Grand Carnival Parade is April 30, 2027. Explore Sint Maarten Carnival
Most Traditional: Dominica's Mas Domnik
Billed as “The Real Mas,” Dominica's Mas Domnik is Carnival at its most traditional. Carnival Monday and Tuesday are February 8–9, 2027, the same days as Trinidad, so you'll have to choose. Explore Dominica Carnival
Summer Pick: Vincy Mas
Billed as “the hottest Carnival in the Caribbean,” Vincy Mas is a great pick for a summer Carnival trip. Carnival Monday and Tuesday are July 5–6, 2027. Explore Vincy Mas
Holiday Mas: Saint Kitts and Saint Croix
Saint Kitts Sugar Mas and Saint Croix's Crucian Christmas Festival let you play holiday mas over Christmas and New Year's. Explore Saint Kitts Sugar Mas · Explore Saint Croix
Ready to Pick Your Island?
Exact dates for all 12 islands are on our Carnival Dates page. Dates follow each island's usual calendar, and we update them as official dates are announced. When you've chosen, each island guide is waiting in the Shop.
