Caribbean Carnival Calendar 2021 - UPDATED
What Is Carnival?
The history of Carnival is somewhat complicated. With origins that can be traced back to Europe, Ultimately, the tradition seems to have been brought to Caribbean islands like Trinidad, Dominica, Haiti, and Martinique by foreign colonialists, who were celebrating Lent.
By the end of slavery in some of these regions. The celebration was ushered in with a new modern version of Carnival in the Caribbean. A lot of Locals embraced the celebratory aspect of the party to revel in their newfound freedom with dancing, music, and colorful costumes.
Nowadays, it's a party worth traveling for. If you've never been to Carnival in the Caribbean before, make sure to plan ahead for a safe and fun experience. Veteran Carnival-goers know that preparing to "play mas" begins months, not weeks, ahead of time. The key to a good Carnival is to book tickets and lodging well in advance because hotels and flights tend to sell out. Bring comfortable footwear and stay hydrated at all times
In eager anticipation here is a working list of a possible dates for the Caribbean Region 20201 Carnivals.
Carnival showcases some of the best aspects of Caribbean culture. The music, dance, history, and vibrancy of West Indians are all evident during the Carnival season.
Here is a comprehensive list and dates for 2021 carnivals around the Caribbean.
*** Looking for Carnival 2022 Carnival Dates? Click here
February Carnival 2021
Carnaval De Ponce
Location: Puerto Rico
Date: February 12 – 16, 2021
Official Website: here
Note: Island is open and is accepting guest. Read entry information here
A negative test, taken 72 hours prior to arriving, and a travel declaration form are required for entry after which visitors will receive an Airport Exit Confirmation number and QR code.
Guyana Mashramani
Location: Guyana
Date: February 23, 2021
Official Website: here
Note: Not currently open, and not accepting international travelers. Traveling information here
The Dominican Republic Carnival
Location: Dominican Republic
Date: Mostly the entire month of February but February 27, 2021, will the main date for the celebration
Official Website: here
Note: Island is open and accepting guest. Read entry information here
Aligning with the launch of the Responsible Tourism Recovery Plan on September 15th, travelers no longer need to provide a negative PCR or COVID-19 test upon arrival. Instead, airports and other ports of entry will administer a quick, aleatory breath test to between 3% and 10% of passengers, and all those who present symptoms, upon arrival. More information here
Carriacou Carnival
Location: Carriacou, Grendadine
Date: February 15 -16, 2021
Official Website: here
Note: Open and accepting international guest. More information here
Passengers from the U.S. are required to have proof of a negative PCR test taken no more than seven days prior to arrival and have to take a PCR test within 48 hours of their arrival. All visitors must have travel insurance covering Covid-19 and must submit a health form as well as download the country's contact tracing app. More information here
Haiti Kanaval
Location: Haiti
Date: February 16, 2021
Official Website: here
Note: Open and accepting international guest. More information here
A health declaration form must be completed in-flight and presented to immigration authorities upon arrival. Temperature screenings are mandatory upon arrival. More information here
Martinique Carnival
Location: Martinique
Date: February 11 – 17, 2021
Official Website here
Note: U.S. travelers are currently banned. For passengers arriving from approved countries, quarantine is not required as long as they show no symptoms and have a negative test result. For more information, click here
Trinidad & Tobago Carnival
Date: February 12 - 17, 2021
Official Website here
Note not currently open for international travel, for more information, click here
Aruba Carnival
Location: Aruba
Date: Jananury 1- February 25th 2021
Official Website here
Note: Open and currently accepting international guest, more information here
Curaçao Carnival
Location: Caracao
Date: February 15, 2021
Official Website here
Note: Open and accepting guest base on country, read here to see entry requirements.
Guadeloupe Carnival
Location: Guadeloupe
Date: February 16, 2021
Official Website here
Note: Closes for international travelers, read more here
Bonaire Carnival
Location: Aruba, Bonaire, And Curacao
February 16, 2021
Official Website here
Note: Open and accepting guest base on country, read here to see entry requirements.
Venezuela - Los Diablos Danzantes
Location: Venezula
Official February 15, 2021
Note: Not currently open to International guest.
Carnival Rio De Janeiro
Location: Brazil
Date: February 12- 20, 2021
Note: Open and accepting travellers
April Carnival 2021
Saint Thomas Carnival
April 4th – May 2nd
Official Website here
Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Celebrations
April 2020 *yet to announce date keep posted
official Website here
Jamaica
Jamaica
April * yet to announce day keep posted
Official Website here
Note: Jamaica reopened to tourists from all countries on June 15. U.S. citizens must request a travel authorization and upload proof of a negative test. Visitors to the island are requested to quarantine at their location of arrival for up to 14 days. Read more here
Saint Martin Carnival
April 30th
Official Website here
May Carnival 2021
Cayman Carnival Batabano
May * yet to announce day keep posted
Official Website here
Bahamas Carnival
May * yet to announce day keep posted
Official Website here
Note: All travelers must complete an electronic application before departure, upload results of a negative test taken within five days of arrival and provide contact information. Travelers are also subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine at their own expense and must take another test at the end of the 14 days or the end of their stay. Read more here
Barbuda Caribana
Location: Antigua and Barbuda
May * yet to announce day keep posted
Official Website here
Note: To be allowed into the country, travelers will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, taken within seven days of the flight, upon arrival at the airport. All arriving passengers will still be monitored for COVID-19 for periods of up to 14 days. Note that Antigua currently has an 11pm curfew in place. Read more here
Feel free to leave a comment below on any other official dates I should add. Are you waiting for Carnival Season? Tell me, what has been your favourite Carnival memory so far?