For the second year running, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) was an official sponsor of the annual parade on Brooklyn’s Eastern Parkway in partnership with WPIX 11 (PIX11). Led by U.S. Director of Tourism Dean Fenton, the Antigua and Barbuda float paraded before thousands of spectators, delivering an unforgettable showcase of the Carnival spirit, which invited revelers to come and experience Antigua’s Carnival 2026—celebrated as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival.
The Antigua and Barbuda float pulsed with high-energy entertainment that brought the spirit of Carnival to life in the heart of Brooklyn. Soca artists Empress and Menace XL delivered electrifying live performances, while mas players dazzled onlookers with their in ornate, feathered costumes.
During a live PIX11 broadcast interview, Fenton emphasized the importance of celebrating with the diaspora and the deep cultural roots that connect Antiguans abroad to their homeland. New York is home to one of the largest Antiguan and Barbudan diaspora communities globally, and the West Indian Day Parade provides a powerful opportunity to connect with this vital audience. The ABTA recognizes the diaspora as key contributors to the destination’s tourism economy and as stewards of the islands’ culture abroad. Their repeat visits, referrals, and multigenerational ties continue to drive travel back to Antigua and Barbuda.
“Celebrating alongside our diaspora in New York is incredibly meaningful,” stated Fenton. “Our nationals living abroad are not only proud ambassadors of our culture—they are the heartbeat of our tourism economy. Their continued support through travel, storytelling, and community engagements plays a vital role in sustaining and promoting Antigua and Barbuda. We honor their connection to home and are committed to keeping that bond strong.”
Official Float Participants Included:
- Dean Fenton – Director of Tourism, USA
- Arah Robins – U.S. Marketing & Public Relations Executive
- Andy Liburd – Sales and Marketing Officer
- Keanna Appleton & Dariana Desilva – Carnival Dancers
- Soca Artists: Empress and Menace XL
Also joining the ABTA-U.S. team at Monday’s festivities was the Minister of Creative Industries, the Hon. Daryll Matthew, who oversees the Festivals Commission—the organizers of Antigua’s Carnival celebrations. He was accompanied by members of his marketing team, who traveled to the U.S. to amplify Antigua and Barbuda’s presence and reinforce the destination as a cultural force within the U.S. market.
As part of its sponsorship, Antigua and Barbuda received branded placement on the PIX11 float and stage, on-air promotional spots during commercial breaks, and widespread visibility throughout the televised broadcast. Destination-branded giveaways and swag were also distributed to paradegoers, extending brand reach beyond the route.
“This event is a cornerstone for reaching our diaspora and culture-seeking travelers,” said Arah Robins, U.S. Marketing & PR Executive. “We’re proud to showcase our Carnival and our heritage in such a high-profile space and look forward to welcoming even more visitors home for Antigua Carnival 2026.”
ABOUT ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Antigua (pronounced An-tee’ga) and Barbuda (Bar-byew’da) is located in the heart of the Caribbean Sea. The twin-island paradise offers visitors two uniquely distinct experiences, ideal temperatures year-round, a rich history, vibrant culture, exhilarating excursions, award-winning resorts, mouth-watering cuisine and 365 stunning pink and white-sand beaches – one for every day of the year. The largest of the English-speaking Leeward Islands, Antigua comprises 108-square miles with rich history and spectacular topography that provides a variety of popular sightseeing opportunities. Nelson’s Dockyard, the only continuously working Georgian era dockyard in the world, and a listed UNESCO World Heritage site, is perhaps the most renowned landmark. Antigua’s tourism events calendar includes the Antigua Race Cup, Antigua Sailing Week, Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, Antigua and Barbuda Culinary Month, the annual Antigua Carnival; known as the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival and Antigua and Barbuda Art Week. Barbuda, Antigua’s smaller sister island, is the ultimate celebrity hideaway. The island lies 27 miles north-east of Antigua and is just a 15-minute plane ride away.. Barbuda is known for its untouched 11-mile stretch of pink sand beach and as the home of the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary in the Western Hemisphere.
