Lucian Carnival, Saint Lucia’s biggest cultural festival, will be better this year, according to those who are directly involved in its planning.
The summer extravaganza will run from June 13 to July 22.
Thursday night saw the launch of Lucian Carnival 2025, with a number of local artists and performers showcasing their talent to an eager crowd.
The tagline, “Feel the vibes…Embody the Spirit,” is intended to capture the dynamic and energetic expression of this year’s Mas, which will be accompanied by throbbing kaiso and Soca beats.
Shan Lucien, the reigning Carnival Queen, launched Thursday night’s event with an explosive cover of ‘Hello Carnival,’ to loud applause from an audience that included popular Soca musicians such as Ezra and Ricky T.
Tourism and Creative Industries Minister Dr. Ernest Hilarie expressed his enthusiasm, predicting “something special” for this year’s event.
“We expect to create something extraordinary, and I extend a special thank you to everyone who contributed to the remarkable success of 2024,” he said
Highlighting the very good feedback regarding last year’s lively festival, he declared, “We are ready for 2025, which promises to exceed all expectations.”
Dr. Hilarie identified four pillars that will define Lucian Carnival: sustainability, inclusivity, cultural preservation, and responsible enjoyment.
He defined them as:
– Responsibility: “We must invest in our youth to ensure the continuation and sustainability of our rich heritage.”
– Broad appeal: “Lucian Carnival must be organized in a way that allows everyone, regardless of age or background, to enjoy it.”
– Preservation of Cultural Resources: “We must ensure that Saint Lucia’s culture and heritage are reflected in our Carnival celebration, maintaining our unique ‘Lucian-ess.'”
– Responsible Enjoyment: “This means consuming responsibly, drinking more water, and adopting a healthy lifestyle even during Carnival. Enjoy, but do so wisely and responsibly.”
Dr. Hilarie added, “These four pillars will guide us in 2025. There’s something exceptional about Lucian Carnival that keeps revelers coming back year after year, creating a unique aura that we need to harness.”
He emphasized that, while airline carriers have confirmed “a demand” for the Lucian Carnival, organizers should not grow complacent.
The Minister strongly urged stakeholders to “continuously improve, identify key elements that make us special and build upon them.”
Tamara Gibson, Chairperson of the Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC), stated that several factors combine to providing a ‘near-perfect’ carnival experience. She emphasized that Carnival brings community and tourism revenue “to every corner of the island.”
She also revealed some interesting new events for this year, including a free public lecture on Lucian Carnival and a School Soca Monarch competition. This year, at least nine communities will celebrate Carnival.
“We will refresh and grow,” Gibson announced, inviting revelers, band leaders, patrons, artists, and performers to help elevate the Lucian Carnival experience.
Claude Paul, Chair of the Carnival Music Management Committee (CMMC), expressed his expectations for this season’s calypso and Soca performances. He announced an expansion to four calypso tents this year, as well as additional Kaiso and Soca events.
Paul also disclosed that Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) will take part in this year’s calypso tournament with their Academia Tent, a new addition to the Kaiso stadium.
A beautiful tribute was paid to two carnival luminaries, Lenard “Scrub” Wellington and Joan Hinkson, whose contributions to the art form would be long remembered.
Ezra d’Fun Machine, Hollywood HP, and Imran Nerdy were announced as this year’s Carnival Brand Ambassadors, with Ricky T, Sedale, Chaz, Shemmy J, Sir Lancelot, Umpa, Natalie St. Omer, and Arthur Allain.