Kingston erupts in rhythm, colour and community as the Caribbean’s most electrifying celebration returns
London, UK, 9 April 2026: Carnival in Jamaica returns this April as one of the Caribbean’s most immersive cultural celebrations, drawing tens of thousands of revellers from across the region and beyond into days of vibrating basslines, colour and movement culminating in thousands of masqueraders in full feather and sequin taking over the streets of Kingston on Road March Sunday, 12 April.
"Jamaica Carnival is a world-class cultural event that is driving real economic results for our island. The numbers speak for themselves, but the real story is in the experience: the passion, the creativity and the warmth that Jamaica brings to every fete, every costume and every moment on the road. We are proud to welcome the world to Jamaica this April, and we are only getting started," says the Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism.
This is Carnival, Jamaican style. Soca rhythms vibrate through the island, dancehall and reggae are woven into every session, sound system and sun-soaked afternoon. Four of Jamaica's most celebrated carnival bands - Bacchanal Jamaica, Xodus Carnival, GenXs Jamaica and Yard Mas will bring their full creative force to the road, each with curated event programmes, distinctive costume collections and experiences that draw crowds back year after year.
“You’ve not done Carnival until you’ve done it in Jamaica. That combination of energy, soca and dancehall culture and authentic Jamaican spirit is one of a kind. What we're seeing in 2026 is the world catching on. Visitors from the UK, Ireland, North America and beyond are coming specifically for this experience. They're not just watching, they're in the bands, on the road, becoming part of the story. That's when you know what we have here is an experience that is truly special," says Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board.
Last year's Carnival in Jamaica grew its economic impact by nearly 48 per cent in a single year, with overseas visitors spending an average of US$5,320 each and a projected 10 per cent further growth forecast for 2026. Among first-time international visitors, nearly 8 in 10 said they travelled to Jamaica specifically for Carnival.
Jamaica Carnival 2026 offers more entry points, more moments and more of the island than ever before. The experience doesn't start on Road March Sunday; it starts the moment you land.
Direct flights to Jamaica operate from London, Manchester and Birmingham with a broad range of accommodation available across Kingston and the wider island.
To find out more and plan your trip, visit www.visitjamaica.com/carnival-in-jamaica/.
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For any enquiries, please contact Jamaica@prm-global.plus. Please find the link to the newsroom here and media gallery here.
About Jamaica Tourist Board
The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica's national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.
Jamaica is home to some of the world's best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared 'World's Leading Cruise Destination' and 'World's Leading Family Destination' for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the 'Caribbean's Leading Tourist Board' for the 17th consecutive year.
Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for 'Best Travel Agent Academy Program' and silver for 'Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean' and 'Best Tourism Board – Caribbean'. The destination also received bronze recognition for 'Best Destination – Caribbean', 'Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean', and 'Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean'. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for 'International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support' for a record-setting 12th time.
For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at +44 (0)20 7225 9090. Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.islandbuzzjamaica.com.