{"id":246141,"date":"2025-08-12T11:01:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T15:01:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/?p=246141"},"modified":"2025-08-12T11:01:12","modified_gmt":"2025-08-12T15:01:12","slug":"carnival-chairman-hails-2025-festival-success-eyes-calypso-growth-for-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/antiguanewsroom.com\/carnival-chairman-hails-2025-festival-success-eyes-calypso-growth-for-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Carnival Chairman Hails 2025 Festival Success, Eyes Calypso Growth for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Carnival Chairman Reflects on 2025 Season, Outlines Vision for 2026<\/strong><\/p>

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Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Chair, Ambassador Elizabeth Makhoul, has hailed this year\u2019s Carnival as a vibrant and memorable season, crediting three years of strategic changes for the event\u2019s growing momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking with Petra Williams on her Spectator<\/em> platform, Makhoul described 2025 as \u201ca serious vibes\u201d year, with key gains in restoring the pride and energy of what she called a once-declining national celebration. She said that when her board began its work three years ago, Carnival faced \u201cserious challenges\u201d and needed decisive action to reverse its decline.<\/p>

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\u201cEvery year we chose things we wanted to fix,\u201d she explained, noting that this year\u2019s priorities were building legacy, elevating calypso, and creating a more positive image of the festival. The Commission has also invested heavily in marketing, with slogans and campaigns becoming \u201cbigger, better and stronger\u201d each season.<\/p>

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One of the most significant moves was relocating calypso events to a venue outside St John\u2019s \u2014 a decision Makhoul admitted was initially unpopular. \u201cWe got some licks for that,\u201d she said, \u201cbut we were pleasantly surprised.\u201d The change, she added, has been welcomed by performers and could become a permanent fixture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking ahead, Makhoul confirmed that an Independence Calypso competition will be staged in November, part of efforts to keep the genre active year-round. She also encouraged writers to support younger performers, signalling a commitment to developing future talent.<\/p>

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While acknowledging that there were still areas for improvement, Makhoul said the focus for 2026 would remain on strengthening Carnival\u2019s cultural impact, engaging stakeholders more deeply, and ensuring the festival reflects national pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW BELOW:<\/p>

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