Jamaica Carnival 2025—what a whirlwind of sun, soca, and unforgettable memories! I’m fresh off the road and ready to spill the tea on everything: the fetes I hit, the food I devoured, and of course, the road experience itself. Let’s dive in.
The Fetes
Rytz All Inclusive
Plenty of fun, food, and drinks—Rytz really delivered on the all-inclusive promise. Bunji’s performance was a highlight, bringing the house down with his energy. My only gripe? The venue felt a bit tight for the crowd size, but I get it—Kingston has limited venues for events of this scale.
Brunch and Soca
We headed to Brunch and Soca bright and early since we had to squeeze in Lost in Paradise the same day. The venue was beautiful, and the food was on point. We didn’t get to stay for the peak vibes, but from what I saw, this one turned into a great event.
Lost in Paradise
I was buzzing with excitement when I saw that Lost in Paradise (a Crop Over fave!) made its way to Jamaica. Held in the yard of the Pegasus Hotel, this fete delivered! Fenty Beauty giving out free lip gloss? Yes, please. The photo booth options were top-tier, and with plenty of bars, you never had to wait for a drink. Bathrooms? Easily accessible—no horror stories here. And the vibes? Jus Jay, a well-known Barbadian record producer, DJ, and performer, did what needed to be done! The DJ lineup was fire, with a steady stream of the latest soca hits. Zero stushness, just pure vibes! — Definitely one to keep on your list!
GenXS J’Ouvert
Now granted, I overslept and only reached in the morning—but a time was still had! Drinks were flowing, and the blue paint? VERY blue—smurfs everywhere! Bunji’s performance was unforgettable, a 6 a.m. like I’ve never experienced before. No issues on the road, either. I missed breakfast because of my late arrival, but once the road portion ended, the trucks turned into a closed-off area for GenXS masqueraders. There was more food, water hoses, and the wet fete began!
Maiden Cay Cooldown
We couldn’t snag tickets for the GenXS official cooldown boat (sold out—we stick bad on that one), so we took a private boat out to the island. But who can complain about white sand, clear blue water, and music floating on the breeze? The island was packed with revelers, all winding down the Carnival weekend with the best of island vibes.
Costume Pickup
Costume pickup with GenXS was seamless—we were probably in and out in 30 minutes. We checked in, headed to the waiting room, and then our names were called. I also picked up my J’Ouvert package (free with pre-registering!), so I received two goodie bags and a costume box. There were even vendors on-site selling nipple covers and stockings—thankful for that, because who was going to run around Jamaica looking for these last-minute items with all the fetes going on? Not I!
The Road Experience
I jumped with GenXS Carnival, and as a GenX girly from Miami Carnival, I felt right at home signing up despite hearing some mixed reviews from 2024. Here’s the real tea:
- Safety and Vibes: I felt safe on the road all day. The vibes? On point.
- Lunch Stop: Smooth experience overall—though I have to admit the lunch line was a bit long, but that might be because I was craving pasta (worth it!).
- Food and Drinks: Plentiful drinks trucks—no long waits for a refill—and the KFC carts? Perfectly timed!
- Entertainment: Kes the Band gave a full performance, and it was everything.
- The Verdict: Would I jump with GenXS again? Absolutely.
Food Highlights
- Devon House Bakery: You know I had to try the famous curry goat patty—and it did NOT disappoint. Highly recommend this spot if you’re in Kingston. Bonus points for the beautiful courtyard seating.
- Cru Rooftop Bar & Kitchen: This rooftop spot had great energy with a live DJ. Food was solid, service was decent, and the vibe was just right for a casual night out.
- Broken Plate: Great food and service—this one’s going on the recommended list.
Final Thoughts
Is Jamaica Carnival a must-do every year? For me, it’s a fun Carnival with good vibes, but it’s not quite comparable to the larger carnival experience, which is to be expected. Still, it’s absolutely worth experiencing—especially if you’re looking for a Carnival that’s a bit more compact but still full of energy.
Stay tuned for more Carnival reviews and my upcoming guide to packing for your next jump!
Until next time!
– Carnival Unpacked
Carnival Unpacked 
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