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_ _diaspora_ _is 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_ _.__I_ _in_ _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.
