πŸ‡±πŸ‡¨ St Lucia Carnival

St Lucia Carnival is a vibrant display of local culture and heritage which takes place in one of the most beautiful places on earth, the beautiful island of St Lucia!

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    When is the St Lucia Carnival?

    What is technically considered the β€˜real’ carnivalΒ is the two days when theΒ Parade of the Bands, Road MarchΒ competition andΒ Panorama Steelpan CompetitionΒ take place. This year what is considered the β€˜real’ carnivalΒ will take place on the 14thΒ  – 21st July, 2021. So, if you want to be inΒ St. LuciaΒ for the β€˜mainΒ carnivalΒ events’ then plan your holiday around those days.Β 

    But in the month and weeks leading up toΒ carnivalΒ there are loads ofΒ carnivalΒ events,Β fetesΒ and non-stop partying! The biggest festivities take place in the days prior to theΒ parades.


    What is carnival in St Lucia?

    st lucia carnival

    St Lucia Carnival previously known as the Lucian Carnival is a lively and vibrant celebration of St Lucia’s rich culture and heritage! This celebration evolved from the islands unique mix of Catholic, Caribbean and African heritage. St Lucia Carnival is when you can experience local culture and its loudest, brightest, rawest and purest!

    It is the largest and most important cultural event in Saint Lucia with over 5000 costumed revellers taking part. As well as 30,000 spectators and a television audience of over 60,000. St Lucia transforms into a massive party.

    Saint Lucia Carnival is something to behold. The island is filled with the sound of drums, calypso, soca, reggae, banjos, feathers, glitter, beads, sequins and happy people dancing under the sun! Whether you join in the procession or just spectate from the sidelines you are guaranteed to have an amazing time!

    The celebration was originally held before the start of Lent but was moved to summer so it wouldn’t compete with Trinidad & Tobago Carnival.

    Where is the St Lucia Carnival?

    st lucia carnival

    Saint Lucia is a Caribbean Island located in the Eastern Caribbean Sea, in the West Indies. It is a sovereign island countryΒ  on the boundary with the Atlantic Ocean.Β 

    St Lucia Carnival generally takes place on the island’s capital Castries, and in its surroundings area like Gros Islet. Exact locations vary according to where different themed parties take place but Reduit Beach, Rodney Bay Marina and Pigeon Island, host a lot of the action.

    How do they celebrate St Lucia Carnival?

    Carnival in St Lucia is an vibrant event that can be described as one monumental party! During and in the lead up to carnival there are parties happening everywhere. Events range from fish fries to jump ups, to rich cultural celebrations and vibrant music festivals. You get to learn all about local culture and heritage, all while having the absolute time of your life!

    Carnival is celebrated with lively colourful parades, elaborate costumes, wild fetes, pageants, conga lines, non-stop dancing, mouth-watering street food, awesome entertainment, nightly costumes and free-flowing rum!

    What is the history of St. Lucia Carnival?

    st lucia carnival

    Like numerous other Caribbean Islands, St Lucia Carnival was the result of the Afro-European influence in the region. The celebrations were traditionally held before Lent, which was meant to be a period of feasting and celebrating before the onset of Catholic Lent, a time of sacrifice.

    In 1999 it was moved to summer to avoid competing with much larger Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.Β  St Lucia’s carnival continues to get more popular with every passing year, attracting visitors from around the world!

    St Lucia Parade of the Bands

    st lucia carnival

    What is playing mas? If you are not familiar with celebrating Caribbean Carnival, you can either be a spectator and watch theΒ parades, or you can join in! When you choose to join in it is calledΒ playing mas! The Bands compete against each other to win the title off best Mas Band.Β 

    5000 costumed revellers will compete in the St Lucia Parades. It is a colorful, vibrant and energetic spectacle. TheΒ masqueradesΒ are dressed in the most colorfulΒ costumesΒ that are adorned with feathers, jewels, headdresses and wings. TheΒ socaΒ pumps loud and everyone dances the day away.Β 

    If you want toΒ play masΒ you have to join aΒ masquerade band.Β If you want to have the ultimate Caribbean Carnival experience we suggest that you play mas! Carnival Monday is the day that you wear your carnival costume and on Carnival Tuesday you can wear whatever you like when marching!Β 

    The 2021 St Lucia Carnival Bands!

    st lucia carnival

    How to choose a Mad Band for St Lucia Carnival? Well that’s a difficult decision because you have so many good options.Β  Maybe you will select yourΒ bandΒ based on theirΒ costumesΒ as they all pick a theme and design their costumes around that theme. So you may just fall in love with some of the costumes.

    Obviously, money can be a big factor when choosing which mas band to choose. So check them out and do some research to find out which mas band you think will enhance your carnival experience!

    1. Just 4 Fun Carnival Band will have selected β€œPhobeia” as their theme. Check them out https://just4funcarnival.com/
    2. Xuvo Carnival have selected β€œher Majesty” as their theme. Check them out here http://xuvocarnival.com/
    3. Legends Carnival have selected β€œVeni Vidi Vici” as their theme. Check them out here http://legends-carnival.com/
    4. Asari Tribe have selected β€œLes Perdus” as their theme. Check them out here https://www.asaricarnival.com/costumes
    5. Taboo Carnival have selected β€œWu Zing” as their theme.
    6. Fuzion Mas have selected β€œbutterfly effect” as their theme. Check them out here http://www.fuzionmas.com/
    7. Red Unlimited have selected β€œPersia” as their theme. Check them out here http://redunlimited.net/
    8. Island Tribe selected β€œbig bang” as their theme. Check them out here http://www.islandtribeslu.com/

    St Lucia Pre-Opening Fest

    In the lead up to the parades there are loads of carnival celebrations and festivities occurring. There are lots of evening concerts to enjoy but one of the most highly anticipated carnival pre-parties is the a huge street party called β€œColor Me Red”. It is a public street party and everyone must wear red!

    St Lucia Carnival J’ouvert

    st lucia carnival

    The carnival action in St Lucia officially begins with J’ouvert which is the opening street party, that begins before dawn! Yes it actually does, in fact the word J’ouvert stems from the French word for day break. It is a spontaneous celebration where carnival-goers get covered head to toe in mud, body paint, powder or foam. There is loads of fun, dancing and music in true St Lucian style!

    Music

    Music is a the heart and soul of St Lucia Carnival! During Carnival Soca, Calypso and Steelpan music rein supreme. Local Artists will create awesome musical tracks just for carnival. St Luica Carnival music is varied and apart from soca you will hear reggae, zouk, bouon, Afrobeats and soukous.

    St Lucian Fetes

    There are also lots ofΒ St Lucia Carnival PartiesΒ that occur during the and in the lead up to the carnival, which are known asΒ fetes.Β FetesΒ start about a month beforeΒ the Grand Parade. The FetesΒ features manyΒ Caribbean musicΒ artists andΒ steelpanΒ andΒ soca bandsΒ who put on live performances.

    St Lucia Carnival Tips!

    st lucia carnival

    • Learn to wine! Winingis a local term that refers to a style of dance. This dance move is a Β rotational swaying of the hips. Have a look on YouTube if you are unfamiliar or want to learn how, because people will be wining all over carnival.
    • Leave your valuables at home and just bring cash, but bring enough cash to pay for food and drinks throughout the day as you won’t be able to use cards anywhere.
    • Stay Hydrated! Because it is hot and you will be dancing the day away under the Caribbean sun which can create a bad scenario when combined with alcohol consumption.
    • Wear light clothing because the weather will often have heavy but short-lived downpours and you want to dry off quickly!
    • Where good comfortable shoes! Because you will be on your feet all day!
    • Arrive early to find a good spot along the parade route to watch the Parade of the Bands, as there will be big crowds.
    • For the Carnival Pageant head to the area in front of the Castries craft market

    How to get to St Lucia

    There are two airportsΒ in Saint Lucia. Hewanorra International Airport (UVF) is located in Vieux Fort, which is about 40 miles south of Castries, the capital city of St Lucia. George F.L. Charles Airport is a smaller inter-island airport that is located just outside Castries.Β To get a quote for a flightΒ click here.

    How to get around St Lucia

    We recommend taking a taxi because driving on St. Lucia’s unmarked, bad roads is quite challenging! You can rent a car but it is for the most adventurous.Β  Get a quote for a rental car here.Β To rent a bike or a scooter get a quote here.

    Taxis drivers receive special training that allows them to also serve as guides so you can enjoy your taxi ride!Β Taxis are unmetered but the government has fixed tariffs for all standard trips, so ask how much before you ride and what currency they accept US or Eastern Caribbean Dollars.

    Where to stay in St. Lucia

    St Lucia is known for having some of the best hotel and resorts in the Caribbean. So of course that means that a lot of the accommodation is quite expensive, but you do have accommodation catering for all budgets and levels of comfort!Β 

    St Lucia Carnival mainly takes place near the Rodney Bay/Gros Islet area of the island. Around 80% of the events taking place at Pigeon Pint.

    Check out some of the best offers on accommodation for your visit to St Lucia, or anywhere in the world, here.

    What to do and see in St Lucia

    St Lucia is a little piece of paradise! It is blessed with incredible nature, geographic and cultural riches! The island has stunning dramatic scenery most recognised by the island’s twin Pitons – the seaside mountains. It also has a simmering volcano and lush rainforest. St Lucia is home to the most down to earth place, friendly and hospitable locals.

    You must visit Rodney Bay which is a beautiful bay in the North. In the South visit Soufriere whichΒ  a gorgeous region of old plantations, hidden beaches, and the geographic wonder of the photogenic Pitons.

    For more information about tours, things to do, sightseeing tours, day trips and more click here.

    Or if you are lucky enough to have a longer vacation then check out Tour Radar which has lots of different itineraries. St Lucia is the unspoilt gem of the Caribbean! Tropical rainforest, white sandy beaches, beutiful volcanic rock, friendly locals and so much more, it’s easy to see why it is one of the world’s top destinations! Check out some tours here.

    Before you go!

    We can’t stress enough the importance of travel insurance! Never travel without coverage! Being protected on your travels gives you an irreplaceable peace of mind. Don’t learn the hard way about the importance of travel insurance. Get a quote through our recommended insurance provider, World Nomads!

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