Atlanta carnival revamps for 2023

Atlanta – The Memorial Day weekend, May 26-29, will see Downtown Atlanta Caribbean Carnival return for its 36th edition with the sounds and vibrancy of the West Indies.

Following a landmark 2022 event which saw several of the Georgia state capital’s popular mas bands return to the city’s downtown core, the organiser, the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Bandleaders Association (ACCBA), has revealed preparations for the event that many consider to be North America’s fastest growing Carnival, a media release said.

The weekend of events has undergone several adjustments to better cater to the increased popularity and interest for the carnival for patrons, masqueraders, spectators and stakeholders, the release said.

Adjustments include a new time for the popular J’Ouvert which will now take place at Atlanta’s Silverbacks Stadium Park on May 26, from 9 am-3 pm. The official downtown Atlanta Caribbean Carnival will also see a revamped parade route on May 27, along with a new accompanying post-parade concert venue, the Westside Park.

The ACCBA has taken into consideration all challenges faced in previous years and has created solutions as well as better equipped itself for dealing with any situation which may arise during the event, the release said.

ACCBA president Patricia Tonge Edigin said, “We have gotten overwhelming support from everyone. Atlanta wants to see one united and inclusive Caribbean Carnival. With the big bands returning, we look forward to having one carnival. It is only fair to our patrons and masqueraders.”

With the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival theme All Ah We Carnival, the ACCBA has confirmed an all-encompassing Antillean cast which includes St Vincent’s Skinny Fabulous, TT’s Farmer Nappy and Shal Marshall, Barbados’ Alison Hinds, Lil Rick and DJ Cheem, Antigua’s Burning Flames and Kenne Blessin, USVI’s Pumpa, Dominica’s Asa Banton and St Lucia’s Motto (who will also serve as the 2023 Parade Grand Marshal) and many more to come.

The release said the festival continues to gain steady patronage from local Atlanta residents as well as support from regional tourism boards and corporate America.

The Westin Hotel Peachtree Plaza is the official host hotel for the 2023 Downtown Atlanta Caribbean Carnival.