Get Ready for the Sensational Jamaica Carnival Celebrations 2023!
Having been shelved in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns and restrictions, the Jamaica Carnival made a comeback a little later last year in July 2022. Jamaica Carnival Celebrations 2023 is back with  a bang at its usual time being held the week after Easter. It is officially scheduled to be held from April 12 – 18, 2023.

About Jamaica Carnival

Carnival celebrations in Jamaica are relatively new as compared to the rest of the Caribbean. It began back in the 1990s when the late Byron Lee, musician and leader of the band Byron Lee and the Dragonaires decided to bring some of Trinidad’s (the birthplace of Caribbean carnival) celebrations over to Jamaica.. Byron Lee’s band, Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, is well known for having promoted ska, calypso, and soca music in Jamaica, which is known as the home of reggae and dancehall music.Most Carnival events leading up to the parade of the bands take place after Easter, however, as with other Carnivals there are many events leading up to the grand celebration being held later this month. Events start as early as February as the Carnival fever heats up.

Carnival in Jamaica

The official brand Carnival in Jamaica was launched in 2017 and is used as the umbrella brand for all carnival activities during the carnival period, making it a national product. This is an annual undertaking that aims to transform the carnival experience locally. It is a key initiative of the Tourism Linkages Network, with support from the Jamaica Tourist Board and key stakeholders.According to Jamaica’s Tourism Board, Carnival in Jamaica is a combination of parties, concerts, dance sessions and more! Things really start to heat up the week before the road parade as we move into the final stretch!  There are festivities happening in Ocho Rios and Montego Bay with the major happenings on the streets of Kingston! You don’t want to miss this explosion of color, music, food and great VIBES!!!

Upcoming Events for Jamaica Carnival Celebrations 2023

Looking to have a memorable experience for Jamaica Carnival Celebrations 2023? Here’s an extensive list of fetes (parties), shows and events taking place this month and culminating with the Parade of the Bands on Carnival Sunday. Information Source: Jamaica Tourism Board Carnival EventsThursday April 6, 2023

  • Soca Camp
  • Jus Tunes Jamaica

Saturday April 8, 2023

  • Frenchmen Rise Up Brunch Inclusive Cooler Party
  • FOF “Festival of Floats”

Sunday April 9, 2023

  • Trini Jungle Juice: Sun Rum Fun Cruise

Monday April 10, 2023

  • Ocho Rios Carnival and Road March
  • I Love Soca Jamaica

Tuesday April 11, 2023

  • Soca By Di Tree
  • Sunnation Tabanca Tuesdays

Wednesday April 12, 2023

  • Kooler Babe
  • Illuminate “Soca Road Rave”

Thursday April 13, 2023

  • Black 2 Blue Jamaica
  • aFLOAT
  • Frenchmen Blocko
  • Touchdown Jamaica
  • Xodus Tailgate JA
  • Kes the Band Live

Friday April 14, 2023

  • Medz Jamaica
  • SunKissed | The Sunset Beach Fete & Catamaran Cruise
  • Soca Brainwash Jamrock “Samba”
  • Scorch Duck Work Jamaica
  • Frenchmen Bazodee All Inclusive
  • Bacchanal J’Ouvert

Saturday April 15, 2023

  • Caesar’s Army A.M.BUSH JA [Jouvert]
  • GenXs Jamaica [Jouvert]
  • Sunrise Breakfast Party
  • Strut Jamaica Cruise
  • Fling Pool Party JA
  • WI FETE Jamaica w/ Machel Montano + Friends
  • Xodus Remedy
  • Viva La Carnival Jamaica
  • Soca Nawmal

Sunday April 16, 2023

  • Road March / Parade of Bands
    • Bacchanal Jamaica
    • GenXs Jamaica Carnival
    • Xodus Carnival
    • Yard MAS Carnival
  • Heineken Rio
    • Big Wall “Radiance”

Monday April 17, 2023

  • GenXs Sunset
  • Yard MAS Beach Fete

Traveling to Jamaica for Jamaica Carnival Celebrations 2023

There are several options to travel to Jamaica. You can travel via major airlines to international airports located in Kingston, Montego Bay, or Ocho Rios. As most carnival celebrations tend to be carded for Kingston, your closest airport to action would be the Norman Manley International Airport. If cruising is your preferred mode, ships dock in Jamaica’s main cruise ports in Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Falmouth.If you plan on visiting for Jamaica Carnival, be sure to book your tickets early for the best rates and last minute deals right here on CheapOair. Here’s and available return flight out of Miami directly to Kingston, Jamaica to get you started. Book now!

Where To Stay

There are many accommodation options in Jamaica. From 5-star hotels to luxury resorts. They cater to families as well as adults only resorts. Jamaica’s Tourism website offers a list of well known and not so well known resorts to check out. Be sure to check out Booking.com for available hotels and guest houses before they’re all booked up!

Other Caribbean Events for April 2023

The Caribbean islands are known for their good vibes and popular events which occur throughout the year. Can’t make it to Jamaica Carnival 2023? No problem…check out these other upcoming events taking place in nearby islands.Source:Caribbean Events

  • April 10, 2023 – Antigua and Barbuda International Kite Festival
  • April 14, 2023 – St. Maarten Carnival 2023
  • April 15, 2023 – Tortola Torture
  • April 20 – 23, 2023 – Tobago Jazz Experience
  • April 27, 2023 – Bermuda Black Golfers Week
  • April 28, 2023 – Carriacou Maroon & Stringband Festival
  • April 28, 2023 to May 05, 2023 – Antigua Sailing Week
  • April 30, 2023 – Dominica Jazz ‘n Creole Festival

Whether you’re headed off to fete in Jamaica Carnival 2023 or going to experience the smooth songs at the Dominica Jazz ‘n Creole Festival, IC Caribbean has got you covered. Check out our latest merchandise and grab your favorite souvenir from our shop.M

Get ready to travel to Jamaica for Jamaica Carnival Celebrations 2023! While you’re there be sure to check out all the sights and sounds of this lovely destination. Here’s a sneak peak of all Jamaica has to offer – Listen to our podcast episode Explore the Beauty of Jamaica with our guest Kellina Powell. Enjoy!