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There are two Atlanta carnivals happening. I’m here to help you with some information that will help you make your choice for 2022. (Updated MARCH 10, 2022)
- Atlanta-Dekalb Carnival route has significant changes.
- Intel on a longer parade route.
I’ve been sitting on my hands, waiting on things to be official for 2022 before I would even brush on this. But news flash: There are two “Atlanta” carnival parades happening on the same date. Why? I won’t get into all that, but this is what you need to know.
Both Atlanta and Atlanta-Dekalb carnivals will take place Saturday, May 28th in different locations. In the past, many people have gone to the wrong event they intended to seek, so it’s important to me to make you aware.
Two separate "Atlanta" Carnivals.
Atlanta Carnival
The ACCBA has announced all their bands will launch on February 5, 2022.
To purchase tickets to cooler fete/band lanch, click here.
Run by the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Bandleader’s Association (ACCBA), the “downtown” Atlanta carnival is considered the “original” carnival that takes to the streets in downtown Atlanta. Since a split around 2014-2015, the “downtown” Atlanta carnival has been on a smaller scale, but also has great vibes. I have been advised to expect MUCH more from the ACCBA this year. You can find out more here. The website is still updating information about the participating Mas Bads and Parade Route, so stay tuned. The links below are to their Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also find their Facebook group here.
A representative of the ACCBA has advised me that the parade route will be the same as 2019’s route. However, a little bird told me it is intended to have a longer parade route this year.
Atlanta-Dekalb carnival used to be a four-hour parade route.
Downtown Atlanta Carnival Bands
Listing of the downtown Atlanta carnival bands are listed here and have been verified as current as of 11/19 by an ACCBA representative. Most of these bands do not have instagram pages or websites listed.
Atlanta-Dekalb Carnival
The Atlanta Carnival Bandleader’s Council (ACBC) developed the Atlanta-Dekalb carnival after the split with the ACCBA. Since then, Atlanta-Dekalb has been the most significant carnival, backed with more mas bands than the downtown event. You can find out more at: https://atlantadekalbcarnival.org/.
The parade will take place on a new (but old) parade route on Convington Parkway in Decatur, GA. It will start at Covington Parkway near Paul Edwin Drive, leading into the Festival village at 4380 Memorial Drive.
The old parade route was about four hours long. On the other hand, the new parade route will be longer, giving masqueraders more time to enjoy themselves.
Atlanta-Dekalb bands.
Participating bands and launch dates come directly from ACBC.
We Kinda Ting Mas has announced their theme for Atlanta-Dekalb Carnival with NinjaFete and Vaval Weekend as partners. Fonrose, Krave, Experience Nyrvana, David Dewer, and Mirage Mas are identified as section partners. Still clarifying what that means to each, It has been confirmed by reputable sources that Krave and Mirage will be private sections. More to follow on the other section partners.
Note: WKT will close pre-registration on 6 December.
Madd Colors has a band launch date of 2/19/2022.
The VI all stars majorettes has been on the road in Atlanta for 16 years. They are a specialty group of majorettes, which is a huge staple of VI carnival since 1952. Children will learn history, teamwork and all about participating as a majorette in Carnival. This is for children ages 4-17. They have had parents, so if you are interested as adult, feel free to contact. If you want to register your child as a majorette, please shoot a DM or you can email Nicole Roebuck Warner at: nicoleroebuck34@gmail.com. Registration will close early January 2022.
Don't ask me which to attend...
Well, you must know, I will not tell you all that, but I will continue to keep you abreast of the developments and information for both carnivals. The websites are in the process of updating, so it is not officially announced which band will turn up where (but if you’ve played Mas there, you’ll know). Classically, band launches can start as early as December, all the way through March of next year. A lot of bands had launched their costumes before 2020 was cancelled. Likewise, let’s not forget that COVID-19 still has an impact on public events, so I anticipate there might be some differences.
Either way, I have attended both and can make recommendations whichever event you choose! Would you believe I started playing Mas in Atlanta-Dekalb?? And so, It has a special place in my heart ❤️. Either way, I will keep you guys in the know so you can make informed decisions.
