It has typically been the perception that carnival was brought to Jamaica in 1990; however it was the previous year that saw over 300 revellers hitting the streets of Kingston to partake in the very first carnival parade by the Oakridge Boys. Unable to get their yearly T&T carnival “fix”, the resourceful posse decided to bring the fun to them. Thus it was a bright Sunday morning in 1989 on which Jamaica was treated to the first Mas parade, “Paradise” by the Oakridge Boys, Carnival in Jamaica was born!

Throughout the years, Jamaica has seen the emergence of inventive Mas Bands whom have imprinted their special touch to making Carnival in Jamaica unlike any other. When the group Revellers introduced their Pretty Mas costumes, Kingston was treated to striking designs in rich and vibrant colors rivaling those of any other island. Many of their costumes were and still are designed and manufactured right here in Jamaica. Another group who has shaped Carnival in Jamaica is the Midnight Raider’s Crew. Pioneering J'ouvert in Jamaica, some 13 years later the sight of thousands of paint covered masqueraders dancing through the streets of Kingston at 3am in the morning during the Bacchanal J'ouvert road march, still amazes many.

The year 2001 marked another milestone for carnival in the island as these three top bands, Oakridge, Revellers and Raiders, merged into the dynamic entity now known as Bacchanal Jamaica. Now the leading Mas Band in the island with signature events, Bacchanal Jamaica strives to continuously improve upon the carnival experience. Boasting an all-inclusive band, live entertainment on the road, and impeccable security, Bacchanal Jamaica promises to deliver more fun, more fetes and even more Bacchanal.