The Antigua & Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) proudly continued its annual support of Antigua Day in New York City, held on the Saturday before Labor Day. Over the past decade, this highly anticipated cultural celebration has established itself as a “must-attend” event for the Antiguan and Barbudan diaspora, drawing thousands from across the United States and beyond.
Antigua Day has become a powerful cultural link as a National Antiguan and Barbudan Reunion, reconnecting nationals in the diaspora with food, arts, music and entertainment, the event serves as a livelily showcase of the traditions and creativity of Antigua and Barbuda.
This year, the ABFC ensured that the winners of Antigua Carnival 2025 brought the energy of Carnival City directly to New York. Powerhouse performances came from Soca Monarch (Groovy and Jumpy) Tian Winter and Road March Monarch Soca Villain, alongside dynamic sets from cultural icons including Empress, King Zacari, King Blade, Willy Wawa, DJ Quest, Island Prince, and Young Vice with the New Gen Band. Together, they delivered a dynamic display of Antiguan talent that transported the diaspora straight back to ARG, Carnival City St. John’s.
In a special highlight, Antigua & Barbuda and Leeward Island’s Calypso Queen, Queen Ge’eve, was honored with the Oscar Mason Award by the Producers of Antigua Day, in recognition of her outstanding achievements in the calypso arena.
Antigua Carnival was also strongly represented with a festive booth and marketing team, who engaged attendees, answered questions, and officially launched Antigua Carnival 2026 to the diaspora.
Ms. Tiria Mason, founder and producer of Antigua Day through Caribbean Splashdown, expressed heartfelt pride: “After over a decade of producing Antigua Day, this one is for the books. I am proud to see Antigua and Barbuda represented in such large numbers in the USA. As a proud daughter of the soil, I will continue doing my part to fly my flag high.”
The Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, Minister of Education, Sports, and Creative Industries, praised the success of the event and the collaborative efforts that made it possible: “Antigua Day has become the largest cultural gathering of Antiguans and Barbudans outside of our shores, and we will continue to support it. I commend Ms. Mason and the ABFC team for their vision and dedication in ensuring Antigua and Barbuda shines on this international stage.”
Amb. Elizabeth Makhoul, Chairperson of the Antigua & Barbuda Festivals Commission, emphasized the importance of this annual activation: “While it is critical that we pursue new markets, we must also recognized that the Caribbean diasporais what is fuelling and energizing the Caribbean’s Carnival across the world and it is imperative that we have a present in all of the Major Carnival’s in the Caribbean. Iin North America and London most recently that take-over present we had at Notting Hill Carnval.”
As Antigua Day continues to soar, the ABFC remains steadfast in its mission to strengthen this vital bond with the diaspora abroad. The celebrations will extend onto the iconic Eastern Parkway at the annual West Indian American Day Parade, where Antigua’s trending artists and the ABFC Marketing Team will proudly carrying the flag, closing out the weekend with a powerful showcase of unity, culture, and national pride.
Adding to the momentum, the Hon. Daryll S. Matthew, will amplify the message of Antigua Carnival through a scheduled interview with New York’s Pix 11 News, further spotlighting the nation on an international stage. In addition, Antigua’s top performers will grace the Pix 11 Parade float, ensuring unparalleled visibility and making the Antiguan flag unforgettable to thousands of spectators lining the Parkway. To keep the excitement alive, the ABFC’s dedicated Marketing Team will be on the ground, engaging with parade-goers and distributing flyers, as an invitation to experience the vibe of Antigua Carnival 2026.
As Antigua Day continues to soar, the ABFC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bonds with the diaspora. The event has grown into more than a celebration, it is a cultural bridge that sustains national pride abroad and inspires future generations to remain connected to their Antiguan and Barbudan heritage.
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With the just concluded Carifesta, NY/ A&B day/ labor day, then on to Miami carnival next month, this is a huge purse being dished out by the ministry.
Hope I don’t hear these same winners of our Greatest summer festival complaining about not being taken care of.
I conclude by repeating myself I wish our representation in the Olympics and world champions would be as massive on the athletes front.
As a member of the organizing committee, I continue to be proud of the pleasant atmosphere established at such a large gathering of Antiguans and Barbudans along with our supporters. The police department has stated that they expected nothing less as our events at the parks over the years have been incident-free.
With a sea of 10,000 in attendance, we showed the pride and love for our homeland in unity, respect and love.
We look forward to an ongoing comradery in the years ahead. Happy Labour Day weekend to all in the diaspora.
Cheers
I went up for this!!! Tian Winter and Soca Villain brought Carnival straight to Brooklyn! You could close your eyes and feel like you were on Market Street in July.
As an Antiguan living abroad, Antigua Day in Brooklyn is the one time a year I feel like I’m back home. The music, the food, the vibes, it’s more than a festival, it’s family.
@Dave Ray. The original Celebration started over thirty years ago between the Antiquan and VI Massive in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem by Dr. Elaine Simon, Tyrone Peters and Thomians and was held on the Sunday before Labour Day to counter the Trini Fetes. You would then go house partying later the Sunday night in Brooklyn, then on to J’ouvert on Nostrand Ave etc, before the parade on eastern parkway.
Burning Flames was in their infancy as a band.
They had to leave Marcus Garvey Park several years ago because the gathering got to large and NYC Sanitation and Police wanted more funding to support the event. This is where the Antigua and VI Massive (one family) split into other factions.
Dave Ray stop trying to reinvent the wheel, patent it and claim it as yours.
Danny Knowles would know, as a part of the original crew.
Give credit where credit is due, but hey this is typical of plagiarists.
Good day, please make a correction to this article. Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission nor The Ministry of Education, Sports and Creative Industries are responsible for holding Antigua and Barbuda Day. This is a private event that is largely put together by three individuals Dr. Oswald Thomas, Tiria Mason and Pamchetta Francis. Hon. Daryll Matthew has always been a stanch supporter of our efforts. Festivals and The Ministry are invited each year to participate and they have by sending representatives
Looks like it was a great event. The same Antiguans all u rubbing from down here are the one you boot up on up there. Hahahha
@Tiria Mason
Thank you for setting Dave “PROPAGANDA” Ray and the general public straight regarding this private Day Fete. No one should fault you and your team for filling this niche, void left by the original Celebrations at Marcus Garvey Park. Kudos to you.
For some strange reason which is not so strange, I had a feeling that Dave “PROPAGANDA” Ray had written this article and was trying to attribute this Day Fete to the present set of politicians and political party which he supports making it seems like they really care about Antiguans & Barbudans in the diaspora.