‘Good vibes alone’ at Anguilla Summer Festival 2023

The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) says Anguilla’s biggest party, where locals and visitors celebrate side-by-side, will turn the Caribbean island into a kaleidoscope of colors, festivities and boat racing events from Jul. 23 – Aug. 13, 2023.

ATB said the Anguilla Summer Festival is a celebration packed with vibrant street parades, soca and calypso live music shows, lively beach parties, pageants that celebrate local Anguillians, thrilling boat races and beach and street pop-ups serving delicious local food and drinks. 

“The Anguilla Summer Festival, also known as Carnival, is a showcase of the rich culture of this tiny island nation, celebrating its indigenous roots through cuisine, art, music, dance and the national sport of Boat Racing,” said ATB in a statement on Monday. 

It said the “unmissable” celebrations include the Parade of Troupes, Eyes Wide Shut fete and August Monday Caribbean Beach Party, “each bringing an exciting vibe that rocks the whole island.” 

ATB said the festival’s roots are found in traditional August Monday fairs and bazaars. 

It said one of the most significant days is the first Monday of August, closely associated to  Aug. 1, 1838, the day when enslaved Africans in British colonies were freed of chattel slavery after centuries of enslavement. Anguilla started its formal August Monday celebration in 1940.

Since then, ATB said the island’s national sport of Boat Racing, born out of the Anguillians’ natural love for the sea, has been merged with other cultural aspects of carnival. 

ATB said Boat Racing is a daily happening during carnival, with the pristine beaches becoming bustling venues of energy and excitement, packed with thousands of boat racing fans, enthusiasts and visiting yachts and pleasure boats. 

“The modern festivities exude the same charm and spirit as the early days,” ATB said. “There is a carnival event every day and night on the island, and many of the resorts and larger properties put on additional entertainment to join in the celebrations. 

“Visitors will find a whole host of venues where locals and visitors mingle, dance and enjoy incredible local food and drinks,” it added. 

Check out some of the remaining events this weekend:

Thursday, Aug. 10, 2023: Eyes Wide Shut

Termed “The Ultimate Day Break Fete”, Eyes Wide Shut takes place from 1am – 11am, as partygoers dance all night and watch the sun come up in the morning. 

ATB said the crowd will be hyped by performances from the biggest soca music stars in the world, this year including Nadia Batson, Patrice Roberts, Ricardo Drue, Terri Lyons, Barrie Hype, DJ Avalanche, Grand Masters & many more. 

Friday, Aug. 11, 2023: Grand Parade Of Troupes

ATB said the Grand Parade of Troupes is “all about vibrant, flamboyant, amazing displays of color and highly detailed costumes as a number of troupes dance and celebrate on the streets of Anguilla’s capital, The Valley. 

“The streets and vibe are electric, and the music can be heard for miles,” ATB said. “Anyone is welcome to watch, or even join in the dancing. The troupes are formed from different villages on the island of Anguilla, and a panel of judges rate the troupes to find a winner.” 

Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023: Anguilla Poker Run & Leeward Islands Calypso Competition

This day will see the most anticipated nautical event of the summer, the Anguilla Poker Run, one of the newest Caribbean boat parties, with sizzling food, pumping music and high adrenaline. 

“Hundreds of people will hit the high seas, beach-hopping to different events,” ATB said. “Not only is this event a thrilling game on the sea, it’s also a chance to show off stylish swimwear, making a statement on and off the water.”

Later in the evening, the Leeward Island Calypso Competition is held at the Landsome Bowl. Calypso is a huge part of Anguillan culture, and this final event, which brings together calypso kings and queens from the Leeward Islands, is “a must-see”, ATB said.

Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023: Champ Of Champs Boat Race (Class A & B)

ATB said the very last day of Carnival is when the Champion of Champions boat race is held. 

The winner from each race during carnival week will compete in the final boat race of the year, to find out who will become the official Champion of Champions. 

“Sandy Ground is packed with avid boat lovers, and it is a fabulous closing to the Anguilla Summer Festival,” ATB said. 

Anguilla is a British Overseas Territory in the Eastern Caribbean. Boasting 33 pristine white sand beaches, tempting turquoise waters and world-class restaurants, ATB said the island also offers “an exciting range of experiences beyond the beach. 

“The pace of life is calm and relaxed, and visitors can do as little or as much as they like on this tropical paradise,” it said. “Anguilla offers glorious weather, azure waters, incredible beaches, mouth-watering cuisine, activities on the land and sea, and a warm and friendly welcome.”

For information on Anguilla, visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.