It’s Carnival In Bermuda and if you’re a soca junkie like me, it’s your favourite time of year. But if you haven’t been keeping up with it, I’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to the weekend’s festivities.
Welcome to the ultimate guide to experiencing the vibrant and electrifying carnival celebrations in the stunning island paradise of Bermuda! Prepare to be dazzled as I unveil the secrets to immersing yourself in the colourful festivities, rich culture, and infectious energy of Bermuda’s carnival.
To kick things off, I spoke with Keidric Smith, an executive director of Carnival in Bermuda about what locals and tourists alike can expect over this high energy weekend.
Asked what he would say to encourage someone who’s never been to Carnival In Bermuda to attend, Mr Smith said: “This is an experience like no other. The atmosphere exudes a sense of immense freedom, allowing you to unwind, be yourself, and indulge in community fun that can only be found at a carnival event. From the music and entertainers to the cuisine, the diverse cultural experience brings utmost pleasure that you wouldn’t want to miss.”
And while most of us just show up for the parties and events, the behind the scenes preparation is a full undertaking that we know nothing about.
“An event of this magnitude requires nine to 12 months of planning”, he said.
“This includes strategic planning sessions, site visits with various vendors, marketing and promotions, collaborating with other event promoters, volunteer management, and numerous other meetings.”
As far as the components of a successful carnival, Mr Smith said: “A passionate experienced planning team, great music, the hottest DJ’s and entertainers, pure party vibes and of course the support of the revelers, masqueraders,- the community.”
Asked about his favourite event over the carnival weekend, he said: J’ouvert is by far my favourite event. The amount of effort and attention to detail put into planning it is impressive. The atmosphere is truly exhilarating and contagious.
“All the water, paint, and powder are a fun way to bring out your inner child and get messy, leaving you covered in color and wearing the party experience. Being able to connect with the community and feel the energy as they let loose in a safe environment is an incredibly liberating experience.”
This year, revellers can expect a full schedule of events from Thursday through to Revel De Road on Monday. Here’s a look at at the events:
Thursday:
To kick things off for the weekend is Evolve. This classy but fun event really starts off the carnival weekend on a great note. This year’s theme is Colours of Bermuda and attendees can expect top tier Bermudian and International DJs along with an all-inclusive experience.
Army Fete is a new entry this year by COA at Pier 6 from 10pm to 3am. It features Bermudian and international DJs, party favours, entry shots and bottle service options with four different tiers.
Friday:
Oasis Sunrise returns to Barr’s Bay Park from 5am to 11am with an open bar, party favours and unlimited vibes. Limited Private Cabanas are also available and include a private section, 10 tickets, complimentary breakfast, three bottles of liquor, endless Mimosas and an open bar.
One of my favourite events on the Bermuda party calendar is Flag Invasion, which is usually held around Bermuda Day. This year, founder and host DJ Rusty G has moved Flag Invasion to the Friday on Carnival In Bermuda. Flag Invasion is drink inclusive and will be held at Fort St Catherine with Bermudian and International entertainment. .
JC Productions is hosting Classic Old School Fete in Finsbury Garden from 9pm to 3am and promises to take revellers on a musical journey back in time to the days of Byron Lee, Tiger Bay soca shows and Clay House. Classic Old School Fete includes food and a complimentary drink on arrival.
We Love Dancehall will be held under the big tent at National Sports Centre featuring the world’s biggest dancehall sound systems from 9pm to 3am.
Saturday:
Swizzle @ Sunrise is hosted by Nova Mas from 3am at The ArboretumIt celebrates Bermuda’s diverse cultural heritages, uniting locals and visitors in a shared appreciation for the iconic Bermuda swizzle cocktail. Patrons are encouraged to wear casual tropical chic attire with comfortable shoes. Unlimited swizzle is included in the general admission ticket and VIP guests will enjoy an all-inclusive premium bar, food, preferred parking and a VIP entrance.
Raft Up is one of the most anticipated events of the weekend and this year will be no different. It will be held at Shelly Bay from 12 noon to 6pm with a barge, top DJs, food vendors, a cash bar and more.
Soca In The City features The Queen of Bacchanal Destra Garcia and this year’s Road March winner for Trinidad Carnival, Mical Teja. This new event will take place in BAA car park and is hosted by Envy Productions.
Party People will be hosting Euphoria, a drinks inclusive event at Chaplin Bay Car Park. Dress code is beach chic and men must wear collared shirts. Entertainment includes DJ Private Ryan, Ovadose, Tony X, DJ Rusty G, DJ Mystro and Jim Brown. Euphoria starts at 10pm and goes until 3am.
Sunday:
Wetta promises revellers sun, soca, bacchanal and water at Snorkel Park from 9am to 2pm at this all-inclusive fete. Attendees are encouraged to wear swimwear as this is a true wet fete with a variety of food options, a premium bar experience and transportation options from Hamilton to Dockyard.
Another event that’s a must on my list is Glow, Bermuda’s first all-inclusive day fete. It’s the event for the grown and sexy held at Queen Elizabeth Park. This year’s theme is strictly white with a touch of pink and will feature Bermudian and international entertainment with premium bars and food options.
Pure has been a staple of Carnival In Bermuda since its inception and has grown tremendously over the years. It is the only event that has brought the biggest names in Soca and Dancehall consistently including Machel Montano, Desta, Shensea and Mr Killa. This year, patrons can look forward to Dancehall Sensation Charlie Black and Energy King Asa Banton alongside Kevin Crown, DJ AValanche, DJ Rusty G, Mista Genius and DJ Fury.
JAM J’ouvert offers revellers a chance to “free up” with paint, powder and water at Bernard’s Park from 3am to 9am. JAM J’ouvert is all-inclusive and each package includes a t-shirt, a bag and a cup.
Revel De Road formerly known as the Parade of Bands, is a procession of dancing masqueraders that will dazzle spectators with their vibrant colours, dazzling costumes and infectious energy. It takes place on Carnival Monday and in order to participate, you must be registered with this year’s only band, Nova Mas.
To learn more about each event or to purchase tickets, visit www.carnivalinbermuda.com.
