The 2025 season of Lucian Carnival has officially been launched, promising an even more vibrant and expansive celebration of Saint Lucia’s culture, music, and traditions.
Chairperson of the Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC), Tamara Gibson, outlined the plans for this year’s festivities during the official launch event on Thursday evening.
During her address, Gibson highlighted the key elements that define the annual celebration. “Combine the music, the people, the sunshine, the food, the most spectacular costumes, most epic fetes… And I could go on,” she said.
Gibson reflected on the 2024 edition of the festival, stating that it “far exceeded the expectations of our patrons,” with improvements in events, band experiences, and community carnivals. She reaffirmed the commitment of the CPMC, to further enhance Lucian Carnival in 2025.
“Every year we stand ready to build on our successes and to improve the areas that didn’t deliver the level of excellence that has become synonymous with our festival, and this year is no different.”
Lucian Carnival is built on four core pillars: Cultural Preservation, Inclusivity, Responsible Enjoyment, and Sustainability. Gibson announced new initiatives aligned with these principles, including the addition of a National Lecture on the history and evolution of Lucian Carnival, aimed at educating attendees on the festival’s traditions.
“We’re inviting all of you to learn the story of Lucian Carnival, why we practice various customs and traditions, and how this has evolved over the years.”
The CPMC Chair also highlighted the return of DVibes, a music event dedicated to Dennery Segment, after its cancellation in 2024 due to weather conditions.
“This year, we are happy to announce that DVibes is officially back on the calendar, making 2025 its inaugural year,” she stated, confirming its scheduled date of July 9 at the National Cultural Centre.
Community involvement remains central to Lucian Carnival, with a renewed focus on accessibility. In light of this, nine community carnivals, from Gros Islet in the north to Vieux Fort in the south, will provide local opportunities for participation.
“Community Carnivals offer a much more inclusive, and intimate way to enjoy the best of Lucian culture, at prices that make it more accessible.”
The festival’s role in economic stimulation is another key focal point for the CMPC. Gibson emphasized the economic impact of the event, noting that various sectors beyond entertainment, benefit from the festival’s increased activity, including farmers, bankers, and carpenters. She also called on continued support from corporate sponsors, stating, “The reality is, Lucian Carnival cannot happen without you. Your contributions breathe life into every aspect of Carnival.”
She also announced the launch of a new National Schools Soca Monarch Competition, expanding on the success of the National Schools Pan Festival introduced in 2024. “Schools Soca Monarch is more than a competition; it is our investment in the future of Lucian music and our culture.”
Additionally, the festival’s website, www.carnivalsaintlucia.com, is undergoing a major revamp to enhance accessibility for both locals and visitors. “This upgraded platform will serve as a hub, offering everything needed to plan the ultimate Lucian Carnival experience – from event schedules and ticketing details to competition application forms and travel tips.”
As preparations continue, Gibson encouraged all Saint Lucians to take part in the event. “Lucian Carnival belongs to all of us. It is our culture. So, whether you’re a reveler on the road, a creative, or a supporter cheering from the sidelines, we all have a role to play in making this year’s festival extraordinary. Get involved. Join a band, support our artists, attend the events, and embody the vibe.”
Lucian Carnival 2025 is scheduled to run from July 1 to July 16 and will feature events across the island, celebrating the music, creativity, and traditions of Saint Lucian culture.
