This vibrant celebration of music, dance, and color is a must-do for any visitor to St. Lucia, and even better, Soufrière has it’s own carnival celebrations! Fond Doux Eco Resort is the perfect base from which to take part in this not-to-be-missed cultural event.
A Rich History
The St. Lucia Carnival has roots in ancient Greek and Roman traditions, but its modern form began in 1947. In fact, the very first recorded celebration was a small parade with people dressed in old clothes and banging on bottles and steel. The next year, the celebration became more organized, with steel bands and costumed bands joining the festivities.
Lively Competitions
Today, the St. Lucia Carnival is a full-fledged competition, with a King and Queen contest (though only a Queen is currently crowned). There’s also a “Band of the Year” competition, with bands vying for the top prize.
Calypso Takes Center Stage
No Carnival would be complete without calypso music. Calypsonians perform songs about current events, love, hate, and everything in between. The first calypso to gain popularity with St. Lucian audiences was “Tell me why salt fish smelling so.”
Steel Bands Fill the Air
Steel bands are another big part of the St. Lucia Carnival. These unique instruments were invented in the 20th century, and St. Lucia’s steel band scene has grown from just two bands in 1948 to sixteen today, including junior and female-only groups.
A Global Spectacle
The St. Lucia Carnival has become a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. Recently, the festival was moved to avoid overlapping with Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, giving it even more prominence on the global stage.
Plan Your Carnival Trip
The next St. Lucia Carnival is sure to be an unforgettable experience. If you’re planning to be at Fond Doux Resort during the festivities, be sure to ask our concierge for recommendations on how to get involved. With its rich history, lively competitions, and infectious music, the St. Lucia Carnival is a celebration you won’t want to miss!
