celebrate anguilla carnival’s 50th anniversary with Àni
This summer, celebrate the 50th Anguilla Carnival with ÀNI Anguilla. This special edition of the island’s biggest party, nicknamed ‘The Family Reunion’, will take place from 21 July to 11 August 2024, with the main events kicking off on 5 August (August Monday). In honor of one of our favorite Anguilla events and its upcoming anniversary, we have curated a special program, designed exclusively for August stays. In addition, we have cherry-picked the key Anguilla Summer Festival events to look forward to beyond our resort; glow sticks, whistles and feathers at the ready.
limited-edition anguilla CARNIVAL INCLUSIONS AT ÀNI
Every stay at ÀNI Anguilla comes with a host of Luxury Inclusions – from gourmet dining to non-motorized watersports, local adventures and so much more – but this summer, we are adding a host of extra perks and experiences. These are included in our usual rates, guaranteeing you an amazing family holiday. In August, our Summer Inclusions honor the island’s biggest party: Anguilla Carnival.
Discover Our Summer InclusionsPersonalize Your Stay, It’s All Yours
In true ÀNI spirit, you will be able to fully customize your itinerary at ÀNI Anguilla with the support from our Reservations Advisors, our General Manager, and our dedicated team, available 24/7. For now, here’s a peek at what you can expect for your exclusive 50th Anguilla Carnival stay at ÀNI.
From the moment you land, relax and get into the mood of the best Carnival in the Caribbean. Our signature wellness therapies will certainly help. Guests can enjoy up to six complimentary daily spa treatments, drawing upon Caribbean traditions.
As for your tastebuds, our chefs will rustle up Carnival-themed menus celebrating time-honored island favorites, including seafood feasts, Johnny cakes and sweet treats such as guava cheese, tamarind and jam balls. Led by our Executive Chef, our Carnival cookery class will showcase Caribbean cuisine; similarly, a Carnival mixology masterclass with bespoke seasonal recipes will reveal the island’s best-loved festival libations. When the twinkling stars come out, gather for Moonlight Cinema beneath the vast sky, featuring classic Caribbean films for all ages, with delicious drinks and snacks provided.
In addition to the above, and to immerse guests in the Carnival spirit, we are also including an array of optional adventures. An insightful workshop exploring Carnival history and costume-making, for example, featuring local experts who will share their insights and rich cultural knowledge. You will even have the chance to create your own colorful Carnival costumes, to wear with panache later in the week.
From the moment you land, relax and get into the mood of the best Carnival in the Caribbean. Our signature wellness therapies will certainly help. Guests can enjoy up to six complimentary daily spa treatments, drawing upon Caribbean traditions.
As for your tastebuds, our chefs will rustle up Carnival-themed menus celebrating time-honored island favorites, including seafood feasts, Johnny cakes and sweet treats such as guava cheese, tamarind and jam balls. Led by our Executive Chef, our Carnival cookery class will showcase Caribbean cuisine; similarly, a Carnival mixology masterclass with bespoke seasonal recipes will reveal the island’s best-loved festival libations. When the twinkling stars come out, gather for Moonlight Cinema beneath the vast sky, featuring classic Caribbean films for all ages, with delicious drinks and snacks provided.
In addition to the above, and to immerse guests in the Carnival spirit, we are also including an array of optional adventures. An insightful workshop exploring Carnival history and costume-making, for example, featuring local experts who will share their insights and rich cultural knowledge. You will even have the chance to create your own colorful Carnival costumes, to wear with panache later in the week.
SOAK UP ANGUILLA CARNIVAL CULTURE
Talented musicians from a Caribbean reggae band will visit the resort one evening to perform live music. On another night, we will arrange steel-drum lessons so that you can pick up some new skills to take home. Watch a local dance troupe perform incredible moves in the grounds of our resort, with rum cocktails to keep you refreshed while you watch (and maybe join in). Local experts will lead lively Soca dance classes, soundtracked by energetic music from the island.
You could also go exploring on a half-day moke tour, visiting historic sites in the company of our informative and inspiring guide, with a Carnival focus.
On your last night, we will organize a mini Carnival parade: the perfect opportunity to wear those striking costumes that you created earlier in your stay.
You could also go exploring on a half-day moke tour, visiting historic sites in the company of our informative and inspiring guide, with a Carnival focus.
On your last night, we will organize a mini Carnival parade: the perfect opportunity to wear those striking costumes that you created earlier in your stay.
anguilla carnival schedule
To make your Anguilla Carnival stay even more memorable, we will help arrange access to all of the iconic activities below. Celebrate Anguilla Carnival in style with ÀNI.
OPENING NIGHT: LIGHT STREET PARADE
On the Carnival’s opening night (usually the Friday before August Monday), the Valley’s streets come alive in a spectacular Anguilla Carnival parade of dancing lights, culminating with a joyful fireworks show. There’s no better way to kick-off the official Summer Festival.
BREAKFAST FETE & BOAT RACES
The next Sunday, Sandy Ground becomes the focal point as the island comes together for one of its premier A&B Class Boat Races. The classes signify the boat size, and with both categories competing on the same day, the excitement doubles. Boat racing aficionados converge here, marking a prelude to the Summer Festival Week. Maritime visitors also choose to anchor here, creating a picturesque scene with vessels adorning the shoreline.
GRAND PARADE OF GROUPS
CARNIVAL PARADE
This Carnival attraction is all about vibrant, flamboyant colors and visually striking costumes. Different troupes dance and celebrate through the island’s capital, interacting with the crowds and performing on-the-fly choreography. It is a great family event. Formed from different villages, the troupes are judged by a panel from the Carnival Committee, as the parade is also a competition.
SOUTH VALLEY COMMUNITY STREET FESTIVAL
Cooks, artists and local craftspeople line the streets with pop-up stalls, showcasing local ingredients, arts and crafts that highlight the delicious cuisine and rich history of Anguilla. In the evening, it’s time for the competitive Band Clash, in which local Soca bands compete for victory.
J’OUVERT
Also known as August Monday, J’ouvert marks the real beginning of Carnival. It starts from 4am–5am, when revelers gather in the streets of the Valley, armed with water and their favorite cocktail. Then, everyone makes their way to Sandy Ground’s Road Bay on foot. August Monday has evolved into one of the biggest beach parties in all of the Caribbean.
CALYPSO COMPETITION – BOAT RACES
Calypso music is rooted in the time of slavery, when it was primarily a form of communication (slaves were forbidden to speak to each other). Over the years, it has become a form of creative and exuberant expression. This genre will always be a part of Anguillian and regional Carnival culture.
EYES WIDE SHUT
AUGUST THURSDAY BEACH PARTY
This is one of the most talked-about music festivals in the Caribbean, attracting thousands of people and garnering bigger headliners every year. The top daybreak music festival in the Caribbean, the party begins at 1am and lasts until 11am the following morning, at which point everyone heads over to Meads Bay for another glorious beach party.
POKER RUN – CALYPSO COMPETITION
Boats from around the Caribbean enter for the chance to win a grand cash prize of $8,000. The Poker Run, spanning Anguilla’s beaches, hosts up to 100 boats, each stopping at Da Vida’s, Island Harbour, Rendezvous Bay, and Meads Bay. Each stop features a different beach party, loads of games, competitions, music, food, drinks, dance contests and the chance to win the cash prize. .
CHAMP OF CHAMPS BOAT RACE
Boats qualifying with enough previous race victories in the festival compete in the prestigious Champion of Champions Anguilla Boat Race. This race marks the culmination of the Anguilla Boat Race season, bringing a heightened level of competition for the coveted major prize.
MISS ANGUILLA PAGEANT
One of the most anticipated shows during Carnival Week, beautiful contestants battle for the sought-after Miss Anguilla crown. The pageant reflects Anguilla’s rich cultural heritage, with contestants showcasing traditional costumes and performances that celebrate the island’s history and customs. The question remains: who will be crowned this year’s queen?
where to stay during anguilla festival
Two words: ÀNI Anguilla. A clifftop eyrie perched above Little Bay on Anguilla’s northern shoreline, ÀNI offers an entire, private resort on this jewel of a Caribbean island, designed exclusively for a single group of guests with full-board dining and a host of activities included.
Surrounded by indigenous flora on three sides, our two-acre (half a hectare) property embraces awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean, just a four-minute stroll from secluded Little Bay Beach. Consummately private yet easily accessible, ÀNI can accommodate from six to 20 guests across four Ocean View Suites, two Ocean View Guestrooms, and four Guestrooms.
Surrounded by indigenous flora on three sides, our two-acre (half a hectare) property embraces awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean, just a four-minute stroll from secluded Little Bay Beach. Consummately private yet easily accessible, ÀNI can accommodate from six to 20 guests across four Ocean View Suites, two Ocean View Guestrooms, and four Guestrooms.
BOOK YOUR 50TH ANGUILLA CARNIVAL CELEBRATIONS NOW
Inspired to experience Anguilla during Carnival Season? Drop our reservations team a line at [email protected] and we’ll take care of the rest.
contact our reservations TEAM