The Antigua and Barbuda flag flew high on Monday’s (Labour Day) West Indian-American Parade on Eastern Parkway in Brooklyn, an event that showcases the talent and culture of the Caribbean.
The Festivals Commission which ensured a strong showing at the prior event, the Antigua Day festivities on Saturday, was instrumental in the Antigua and Barbuda float that took part in the parade on Monday.
The Commission recalled that for more than a decade it has been supporting the Antigua Day event held on the Saturday before Labour Day. It said 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 and Barbuda and Leeward Island’s Calypso Queen, Queen Ge’eve, was honoured 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.
Founder and producer of Antigua Day, Tiria Mason, 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.”
As Antigua Day continues to soar, the ABFC remains steadfast in its mission to strengthen this vital bond with the diaspora abroad. The celebrations extended onto the iconic Eastern Parkway at the annual West Indian American Day Parade, where Antigua’s trending artists and the ABFC Marketing Team proudly carried 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, amplified 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 graced 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 members were on the ground, engaging with parade-goers and distributing flyers, as an invitation to experience the vibe of Antigua Carnival 2026.
