A complete guide to Saint Lucia Carnival 2023
by Cinelliverse, a Saint Lucian Carnivalist
I know you want to go to Saint Lucia Carnival, and you’ve come to the right place. You’ve got questions — and I’ve got the answers; the nitty gritty. Let’s dive right in!
When is Saint Lucia Carnival?
The 2023 dates for the parade are July 17th-18th.
Saint Lucia Carnival is held annually, on the third Monday/Tuesday of July. The Saint Lucia Carnival season begins much earlier with events starting a month or so before, leading up to the 2-day carnival road experience.
When is the best time to come?
A committed Carnival chaser typically plans to spend a week for a full carnival experience. The majority of the most popular events are the weekend preceding the Parade. If you have the time, Wednesday to Wednesday is great timing to attend lots of events and play mas. However, even if you arrive on Friday or Saturday, you can still get a lot of pump.
What are the Best routes to Saint Lucia?
BY AIR
Saint Lucia has two airports:
Hewanorra International airport (UVF) and George F.L. Charles Airport, also known as Vigie Airport (SLU)
UVF airport mainly serves International cities from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada, while SLU airport serves cities within the Caribbean. When booking, keep in mind flight schedules vary depending on the month or season. If you’re struggling to find the best route, I researched the flight schedules for the 2023 carnival season, so you don’t have to! Flights to Saint Lucia are not cheap, so maybe some mix and matching can help keep costs low.
Here’s the breakdown of the routes to Saint Lucia by airport/ airline:
Flights from the US to UVF airport for JULY 2023 are serviced by:
JetBlue Airways— JFK (daily), BOS(Saturdays)
Delta Air Lines — ATL (daily)
American Airlines —CLT (daily), MIA(daily), PHL (Saturdays)
United Airlines — EWR (Saturdays)
Flights from the UK // UK airlines to UVF airport for JULY 2023 are serviced by:
British Airways - LGW (daily)
TUI Airways -LGW (Tuesdays
and also from the Caribbean and South America:
GDN (Wed, Sat, Sun), TAB (Tues and Fri), GEO(Mon and Thurs)
Flights from Canada to UVF airport for JULY 2023 are serviced by:
Air Canada —YYZ (Fri and Sun)
West Jet—YYZ (Sundays)
Sunwing Airlines—YYZ (Saturdays)
Flights from the Caribbean region to SLU airport for JULY 2023 are serviced by:
Air Antilles — BGI (Mon, Wed, Fri) FDF (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun)
interCaribbean Airways—BGI (Tues-Sun) DOM (Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat)
LIAT—SVD (Mon and Fri) ANU (Thursdays)
Caribbean Airlines — POS (Mon, Wed, Fri)
BY SEA
L’Express Des Iles
There is currently one ferry route running between Martinique and Saint Lucia operated by L’Express Des Iles. The ferry is scheduled to depart Forte de France to Castries every Thursday through Sunday for JULY 2023.
When Should you book your trip to Saint Lucia?
I recommend booking flights 6-8 months in advance for the best rates. Do note that UVF airport, which would be the airport most people arrive from is located in the South of the island. Plan for a 1-2hr drive to the north of the island, where Carnival festivities will take place. You also have the option of a 10-15 min airport transfer (UVF-SLU) via Saint Lucia Helicopters! If you’re feeling for a treat, this is an amazing way to get an aerial view/tour of the island on your way to your accommodation, for your departure from Saint Lucia — or BOTH!
Transportation while in Saint Lucia
Rent a car and/or car pool; there are car rental booths at the airports.
Hire a driver. Taxis are abundant and you’ll definitely see lots of them at the airport/seaport. License plates are a good indicator for distinguishing taxi drivers. The official taxi providers recognized by the government have light blue reflective license plates with a TX prefix. You may come across subcontracted vehicle drivers with H plates, who offer transportation services in their own time. Many rental cars also have plates with an H prefix because generally, they represent “hired vehicles.” Keep in mind authorized taxi drivers have a designated TX plate.
Download and use the ALLEZ rideshare app. Saint Lucia does NOT have Uber or Lyft rideshare services. Allez is a local option to explore while in Saint Lucia.
Use public transportation. If you want the true local experience, or having trouble getting in touch with a driver, familiarize yourself with the Castries to Gros islet buses. All minibuses have green license plates with an M prefix and fares range from 2.50 XCD to 8.00 XCD.
If you and your crew are renting a vehicle, please have a designated driver, please drink responsibly and DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE! We want to have a fun, but SAFE carnival!
Most Ideal locations for Accommodation
Where to stay
Most people visiting for Carnival usually stay at a Hotel, Airbnb or guesthouses/villas between Castries and Cap Estate. Majority of carnival events are held in the Gros Islet area and the parade route is typically from Choc to Castries City, roundtrip. Ideally, you will want to stay along or nearby these routes and close to quick eats/bars/ restaurants
The size of your group/carnival crew, budget and general travel preferences will influence the type of accommodation you choose.
Hotels
This will most likely be the most expensive option, for obvious reasons, however, you can’t argue with the comfort, security and convenience that comes with it.
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— Harbor Club
— Bay Gardens Resort, Bay Gardens Hotel, Marina Haven
— Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort
— St James Club Morgan Bay
— Calabash Cove Resort
— East Winds
— Mystique by Royalton
— Royalton
— Coco Palm Resort
— The Landings Resort
— Sandals ( La toc, Halcyon, Grande)
— BodyHoliday Resort
— Cap Maison Resort
— Bel Jou Hotel
Airbnb/ Guesthouses/ Villas
If you’re searching for an Airbnb/ Guesthouse/ Villa, I recommend searching in these areas:
Reduit, Rodney Bay, Rodney Heights, Bonne Terre, Beausejour, Gros Islet, Can En Bas, Cap Estate, Monchy, Bois d’Orange, Marisule, Corinth, Choc, Vigie, Sansouci, La Toc, Tapion, Mt. Fortune/Good Lands.
Where to Party
There are a wide range of carnival events to choose from for the season. The average carnival goe-er attends two events per day, but if you're new to carnival in general- I suggest you pace yourself. Many a masqueraders have overslept and missed events they purchased tickets for, or jouvert or even worse.. the road! I don't even want to imagine what it feels like to sleep through carnival, so please pace yourself! Carnival feteing is an extreme sport and I want you to be awake to truly experience it.
I personally believe any good fete list includes at least one event in these three categories:
Breakfast/Day Party
Jouvert/Wet Fete
Boat/Beach Event
… and I’m not a big fan lol, but I suppose squeezing in a concert/stage show won’t hurt, if you’re into those!
THE FETES
Events are still being added to the official fete list, however, you can view the current schedule of events for Saint Lucia Carnival 2023 so far! Please do check back for updates closer to Carnival. Here is the latest official. event list, still subject to change/updates:
SAINT LUCIA CARNIVAL BANDS
There are several bands to jump/ play mas with for Saint Lucia Carnival, all with different experiences to offer. Depending on the type of experience you’re looking for, you may opt to register with a more party/contemporary carnival band or a more traditional band. Over the years, I’ve played mas with 99% of the party/contemporary carnival bands— ALL except one. I think I’m qualified to say Fuzion Mas is the way to go! Another absolute fav is Just4Fun Carnival Band. I have my preference in bands, but I encourage everyone to do a bit of digging before registering for a band. Carnival is NOT cheap and more than just the pretty costumes. You want to choose a band with a great track record, excellent customer service and non-stop vibes.
NOTE: Saint Lucia Carnival operates a little differently than some other 2-day carnivals you may have visited. Full costume is worn on Monday, and on Tuesday, you either wear the remainder/ bodywear of your costume, or your own “Tuesday Wear” design which can be as simple as a bodysuit/swimwear or a custom design.
St Lucia Carnival is non-stop pump, meaning there are no “rest stops.” Bands generally offer unlimited drinks, lunch + snack for both days and a variety of the amenities offered along the route.
Here is a list of the party/contemporary bands; most of which have already launched their costume portrayals for the Carnival season:
FUZION MAS
Theme: Fuzion FM—The Pulse of Carnival
Visit FuzionMas.com for more photos and registration information
Email: info@fuzionmas.com
Instagram: @fuzionmas Twitter: @fuzionmas TikTok: @fuzionmas Facebook: Fuzion Mas
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— Your exceptionally hand-crafted Fuzion Mas costume, as requested.
—Two (2) days of purely Lucian centric road revelry
— Fully stocked bars on both days
— Breakfast on Carnival Monday
— Lunch provided on Monday & Tuesday
— Snacks along the route for both days
—Mobile waiter service
—Top class security.
—Mobile Air-conditioned Truck
—Mobile, regularly sanitized washroom facilities
—Emergency service providers round the clock
—The pulsing sounds of the fantastically talented DYP live band!
— The best in local, regional and international performers
— A fuzion infused goodie bag
— Discounted Blocko (Jouvert Party) ticket
— Discounted SUNNUP (Breakfast Party) ticket, complimentary with frontline costumes
2023 Costume Portrayals
JUST4FUN CARNIVAL BAND
Theme— Into the Beyond
Visit just4funcarnival.com to view costumes
Email: info@just4funcarnival.com
Instagram: @just4funcarnival Facebook: Just 4 Fun Carnival Twitter: @j4fcarnival Tik Tok: @just4fun.band
XUVO CARNIVAL BAND
Theme— Down the Rabbit Hole
Visit xuvo-carnival.com to view costumes
Instagram: @xuvocarnival Facebook: @xuvocarnival Twitter: @xuvocarnival TikTok: @xuvocarnival
LEGENDS CARNIVAL BAND
Theme—The Essence of Time
Visit legends-carnival.com to view costumes
Instagram: @legendscarnival Facebook: Legends Carnival Band Twitter: @legendscarnival TikTok: @Legendscarnival
RED CARNIVAL BAND
Theme— Untamed Revelry
Visit redcarnivalband.com to view costumes
Email: info@redcarnivalband.com
Instagram: @redcarnivalband Facebook: @redcarnivalband Twitter: @redcarnivalslu TikTok: @redcarnivalband
ISLAND TRIBE CARNIVAL BAND
Theme TBA, Launch pending
Visit islandtribecarnival.com for updates
Instagram: @islandtribeslu
Traditional Bands
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Traditional Bands -
via @isnard758
Here is a list of the more traditional bands; most of which launch themes/portrayals later in the season, costumes locally made or revellers create their own costumes (with band approval )to match the band’s theme:
THE TRIBE OF TWELL
Theme— For God So Loved The World
Visit www.tribeoftwel.com for updates
Email: mrlnwarner@gmail.com Instagram: @tribeoftwel Facebook: tribeoftwel
LOOSHAN REVELLERS
Theme— TBA
Visit looshanrevellers.webs.com for updates
Email: looshanrevellers@gmail.com
INSOMMEIL CARNIVAL BAND
Theme— TBA
Email: insommiel_carnival@hotmail.com
Instagram: @insommeil.band Facebook: Insommeil Carnival-Band
PHOENIX CARNIVAL BAND
Theme— TBA
Email: pheonixcarnival@gmail.com
Instagram: @phoenix_carnival_band Facebook: Pheonix Carnival
“Tuesday Wear” Designers
Tuesday wear is a fairly new trend for Saint Lucia Carnival. Traditionally, masqueraders would wear pieces of their costumes or the bodywear of their costumes for the second day of carnival up until around 2017-ish. While it’s still an option and some people still recycle their costume for day two, it’s become more popular to flaunt your individual style or match with your carnival crew. Whether it’s a custom design piece, a bedazzled bikini, a simple bodysuit or your costume, the girlies always look sweet on the road!
If you’re interested in, or planning on having a custom design to wear for Carnival Tuesday, check out some of these designers:
Carnival Accessories
Don’t forget to add some flare to your looks with stylish, fun and functional Carnival accessories! There is such a wide variety of accessories to choose from, but first, let me just say, the most important “accessory” you could have for the carnival season is SUNSCREEN! I can’t stress this enough, please protect your skin from the Sun’s harmful rays. Choose your favorite sunscreen formula and make sure it’s SPF 30 or higher. THIS is currently my fav Sunscreen. I also have a carnival essentials Amazon storefront for you to check out!
Now back to the bling and ting.
There is a carnival accessory for your every want and need to:
get. a more polished look with flesh-toned/sparkly fishnets
be hands-free with a thigh/waist bag
feel more secure with nipple pasties/boob tape
jazz it up with press-on nails, face gems, luxe chain bra, fun sunglasses
have bedazzled carnival mugs, flasks
The list goes on and on. You can find all of these things at the outlets below:
The Dollhouse
Your one-stop shop to all Saint Lucia Carnival accessories—IN SAINT LUCIA! A storefront located in Blue Coral Mall, Castries has literally everything you need, even if you don’t know it yet lol
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— Nose Rings, Tattoo Sleeves
— Gem Mugs, Face gems
— Press-on Nails, Lashes
— Boots, Sunglasses, Purses
— Waist / Chest/ Leg/ Neon Pouches
— Swimsuits, Shorts
— Wire Bra\Luxury Bra , Pasties
— Fans , Mini Portable Charger
— Plain / V-cut/ Glitter Stockings
Visit The Dollhouse’s instagram to see what else they have to offer!
Carnivalista
What started as an online boutique for carnival skin toned hosiery, is now every carnivalists’ go-to for all styles of fishnets and carnival accessories. This brand was built on finding the perfect skin-tone match for women of color and they excelled. There’s a flavor guide with the perfect color mach for you and in the right size for you! Aside from hosiery, Carnivalista also sells “bagcessories” like hip bags, thigh bag and wrist pumps. You can aslo find intimates and “glamsentials” like nipple pasties, boob tape flesh-toned micro thongs, lashes, nail wraps, face/body chains and even boots.
Over more recent years, Carnivalista began hosting pop up shops at different Carnivals throughout the year. They usually host pop ups for Saint Lucia carnival, so look out for those! Visit carnivalista.com to shop carnival accessories or visit their instagram @carnivalista
Carnival Makeup Artists/ MUAs
Carnival makeup is an ART!
If you’re looking to doll up your look for Monday and Tuesday, or even for carnival events — browse through this list of MUAs. Slots fill up quickly, so don’t waste too much time before booking!
Saint Lucian MUAs:
Travel MUAs:
Get ready for the road!
Familiarize yourself with Lucian Soca/ Dennery Segment!
Soca music is a big part of Carnival and is the primary genre of music played throughout the season. Familiarizing yourself with the music, especially newer releases makes for a better experience. Part of what makes Saint Lucia Carnival so unique and special is the music— particularly, Dennery Segment. This sub-genre is such a raw, infectious style of Soca music and captivates the true essence of Saint Lucia Carnival.
You don’t want to be out of the loop, so I suggest staying up to date with 2023 artist releases and DJ mixes.
Look out for mixes from these local DJs:
You can also find music on platforms like YouTube, Apple Music Soundcloud and Spotify by typing in keywords such as “Dennery Segment” “Lucian Soca” “Soca 2023”
Look out for new music from these local Saint Lucian artists:
Teddyson John, Shemmy J, Arthur Allain, Crown, Ricky T, Blackboy, Motto, Umpa , Freezy, Subance, Cooyah, Mighty, Dhirv, Ambi, Sedale, Ezra d’funmachine and many more.
Saint Lucia Carnival is one of the most anticipated Carnivals this year and you came across the right blogpost. I hope all your questions have been answered and I’ve helped you create/complete your itinerary to plan for Saint Lucia 2023 or for the following year. Make sure you check out my instagram, @cinelliverse for last year’s Carnival content and watch my 2019 Vlog for a peek of what St Lucia Carnival is all about!
PA JWE ANDEDAN LI !!! (Don’t play widdit lmaoo)
