Cricket carnival

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Cricket carnival is a concept of hosting a party-styled atmosphere during cricket games in the stadium. It was developed in the Caribbean, and more specifically in Antigua.

Antiguans have a great love for their game of cricket and notable cricketing heroes have come from the island: Viv Richards, Andy Roberts, Richie Richardson and Curtly Ambrose. The idea of cricket carnival developed in the stands of the Antigua Recreation Ground, where the game was fused with the fast-paced, high-tempo Carnival.

Other Caribbean Islands have noticeably tried to imitate the Antiguan Cricket Carnival with much less luck and support. What sets Antigua apart is the patronage of its cricketing fans who will "big-up" the "enemy" team as long as they play good cricket. Other attractions of Cricket Carnival in Antigua are "Chickie's HiFi", a popular DJ group that has been spinning tunes since the 1990s; and "The Gravy", a cross-dressing comedian who entertains the crowd during lunch breaks.

At the 2007 Cricket World Cup, during the Australia versus England match, spectators were given programs at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Grounds which read:

"The Caribbean atmosphere is uniquely special, fueled by a cacophony of noises from various musical instruments including drums, bugles, cymbals and triangles," said one article. "Added to the sounds of calypso and reggae, it makes for an electrifying setting."