Equal parts beauty and mystique, Saint Lucia captivates anyone who sets foot on her coastline. With her sandy white beaches and volcanic mud baths, Saint Lucia has a lot to offer to any Carnivalist. Like many other years, 2023 will be a two day carnival experience with a lot of Lucian flair.

The parades will take place on July 17-18, 2023. 

GETTING THERE

St. Lucia has two airports, UVF in the south of the island which is about a 1.5 hour drive from Gros Islet and SLU which is in Castries. SLU tends to be more expensive to fly into [for international flights] but it is the more convenient airport. Flight prices can be vary, so purchase early or really late and utilize one way tickets to get into the island. There is a 90 minute ferry ride from Martinique if you are looking for ideas to break up your trip.

Regarding transportation, make connections with your taxi drivers, I usually hire one of them to become my driver while there. Most hotels have taxi services on their grounds or they are able to contact them for you at the concierge desk.

WHERE TO PARTY 

While some events are more coveted than others, you will have an amazing time at any you choose to attend. Remember you are the vibe. Popular events like Steam Boatride and Famaly are already available for purchase. A curated fete list will be made available in April.

St. Lucia Carnival 2023 events are on the following dates: July 10 – July 20, 2023.

WHERE TO GET COSTUMES

There are several bands to choose from but no band is like the other. Costume prices are fairly consistent, you can get a frontline costume between the range of $950-$1200usd. Utilize Facebook (FB) & Instagram (IG) to find more information on the bands.

These are your band options:

• Xuvo Carnival will launch their “Down the Rabbit Hole” theme on March 1 
• Just 4 Fun Carnival launched their “Into the Beyond”  theme on January 28th 
• Red Carnival – has launched 
• Insommeil Carnival 
• Fuzion Mas – has launched
• Legends Carnival – has launched
• Island Tribe – check IG or FB for more info 
• Taboo Carnival – check IG or FB for more info 
• The Tribe of Twel – check IG or FB for more info 
• Looshan Revelers – check IG or FB for more info 
• Pheonix Carnival – check IG or FB for more info 

Important to know: Saint Lucians wear their elaborate costumes on Carnival Monday (July 17) and gemmed bodywear or parts of their carnival costumes on Carnival Tuesday (July 18).

WHERE TO STAY

Known as one of the hottest vacation spots, St. Lucia has some of the best hotels in the Caribbean. If you plan to attend any fetes, shows or the carnival parades, I would recommend staying in the Rodney Bay or Gros Islet area. Some hotels to check out are:

• The Landings Resort & Spa 
• Harbor Club St. Lucia – On the main road to and from events
• Hideaway at Royalton
• Royalton Resort & Spa
• Bay Gardens Hotel – outdated but ideally located
• Bay Gardens Resort & Spa – outdated but delish food & great customer service
• Windjammer – A bit tucked away but if you have a car, or a personal driver, it’s do-able

TOURISTY THINGS TO CHECKOUT

From mas to jungle-clad waterfalls, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are some touristy things to do before or after your Saint Lucian Carnival experience.

• Pitons Waterfall (Soufriere & the Pitons)
• Sulphur Springs (Soufriere & the Pitons)
• Project Chocolat Tour & Experiences 
• Naked Fisherman Beach Bar 
• Millet Bird Sanctuary

 

If this is your first carnival experience, make sure to checkout this newbie guide. 

Yours in Mas,