You may know Jamaica for Dancehall, Reggae, Usain Bolt, Bob Marley and delicious food, but Carnival is also HUGE asset to the island attracting many visitors from around the globe. What makes Jamaica Carnival unique is the mixture of cultures through the music. Soca and Bacchanal music are the staple in Caribbean Carnivals in countries like Trinidad and Tobago, but in Jamaica, they have created their own vibe mixing in Reggae, Dancehall and popular music along with Soca..
Carnival season is just about to kick off on the island of Jamaica starting Friday January 24th-April 22nd. There will be numerous events across the island with the major ones taking place around the New Kingston area. Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril will see events throughout the season as well.
The official 2020 dates for Jamaica Carnival ( major events) begins Thursday 16th April 2020 and finishes on Monday 20th April 2020.
Major events of the season.
- Bacchanal Fridays
- Beach Jouvert
- Reveller’s Fete
- Bacchanal Jouvert
- Road March
Keep in mind those are just the major and highly sponsored events, but there are many many more taking place all over the island. Here is a list of events via El Google
Below is the after movie of Bacchanal Jouvert 2019 held at Mass Camp in Kingston. Mass Camp is one of the locations that will see weekly events for carnival lovers to flock too starting on January 24th.
The Road March
Individuals from all walks of life gather in the streets to dance, drink, eat and have an IRIE good time. The road March which is the grand finally, will be held on Sunday, April 19th, 2020.
The Costumes
The extravagant costumes don't come cheap. Costumes can run you anywhere from a couple hundred USD to thousands of USD. The average price starts at around $400 and the add ons will see it building up quickly to $1,000. Here is the website of one of the major costume creators, Bacchanal lost kingdoms. Other costume creators include Xodus and Xaymaca among others. Don't worry. you don't have to buy a costume to party hard and enjoy yourself.
Without a doubt, Carnival in Jamaica has grown and become an annual economic boom to the island. Carnival Jamaica is a brand on its own but still gives homage to the originals in Brazil and Trinidad & Tobago.