Culture

Carnival 63’ is  moving ahead at full pace. The 2025 Carnival season officially began on Saturday with a Cultural Extravaganza celebrating Montserratian culture, heritage, music, and creativity, followed by a formal Opening Ceremony. Carnival City, was buzzing with activity as residents and visitors immersed themselves in key elements of the island’s culture. This include traditional foods such as dukna, goat water, and cassava bread, alongside cultural characters including John Bull and Miss Goosie. Masquerade groups, iron band performances, steel pan music, dance, poetry and local entrepreneurs were also featured during the opening activities. A special video presentation titled “Carnival: A Look Back (1972–1973)” was also shown, tracing the roots and evolution of Carnival and reminding people of the strong legacy that continues to shape the island’s celebrations. During the official opening ceremony, Interim Marketing Coordinator at the Montserrat Arts Council, Jayesh Sadhwani, highlighted the collaborative effort required to stage Carnival and stressed the importance of adapting in order to preserves tradition.  Sadhwani said Carnival is about embracing change while remaining rooted in tradition, so the island’s culture can continue to grow and thrive. Before officially declaring carnival open, Parliamentary Secretary with Responsibility for Culture Honourable Crenston Buffonge reflected on the deeper meaning behind this year’s carnival celebrations. He said carnival is a living process that mirrors life itself, requiring flexibility, unity, and purpose. Carnival 63’ runs through January 1st 2026 under the theme Mas, Rhythms and Family.