May 9, 2025
The city of Atlanta is about to turn up the heat this Memorial Day weekend as the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival returns for its spectacular 2025 edition. This year’s parade of the Bands is set to be bigger, brighter, and bolder than ever, led by a star-studded lineup of Celebrity Grand Marshals who are ready to bring the vibes.
Set for Saturday, May 24, 2025, the parade will sizzle with Caribbean flavour as it takes over Atlanta’s famous Peachtree Street and environs, powered by pulsating Soca music and dazzling Carnival costumes. Adding even more sparkle to the experience, the Atlanta Caribbean Carnival Bandleaders Association (ACCBA) have put together a contingent of celebrity Grand Marshals comprising of entertainment personalities and community leaders to lead the parade festivities.
The twin-island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago will be highlighted and honoured with Soca legend Neil ‘Iwer’ George, serving as a 2025 parade Grand Marshal. George known for his decades worth of Soca hits which include “Come to Meh”, “Savannah” and “Stage Gone Bad” personifies the red, white and black of T&T and will represent for the nation at the parade.
Joining Iwer as co-Grand Marshal is fellow Trinbagonian and cultural ambassador Winston ‘Gypsy’ Peters. Revered for his prowess with the Calypso and Extempo artforms, Peters also currently serves as Chairman of the National Carnival Commission (NCC), T&T’s governing body for Carnival and its stakeholders.
Adding to the Atlanta Carnival parade’s star power as co-Grand Marshal will be medical practitioner, entrepreneur and star of the popular Bravo network reality series “Married to Medicine”, Dr. Contessa Metcalfe, MD.
The 2025 Atlanta Caribbean Carnival will also have representatives from the political arena serving as Grand Marshals. These include Georgia State Senator, Jason Esteves, Georgia House of Representatives member, Arlene Beckles and Atlanta City Councilman, Byron Amos.
For 2025, not only will masqueraders have the opportunity to ignite the streets of Atlanta, they will also get to cross a main stage inside of the new post-parade concert venue, the Rodney Cook Sr. Park as a highly anticipated bonus to the excitement and culture set to take place on May 24th.
In addition to the parade, attendees can enjoy a full weekend of ACCBA-powered events including live performances, J’ouvert, Breakfast & Cooler parties and family-friendly activities celebrating the diversity and rhythm of the islands. With tens of thousands expected to attend, Atlanta Carnival 2025 is poised to be a historic, high-energy showcase of Caribbean pride.