The grand finale to Lucian Carnival is here. More than 7 000 costumed revellers are expected to flood the streets of Castries on Monday and Tuesday as the Parade of the Bands brings the 2025 festivities to a spectacular close.
The two-day street party follows weeks of high-energy celebrations, which started with Junior Carnival events, national competitions, and a non-stop calendar of fetes and boat rides.
Festivities began with J’ouvert at 4 a.m. on Monday, leading into the official parade from 10 a.m., when ten costumed bands will take centre stage.
The participating bands are: Xuvo Carnival Band, Fuzion Mas, Tribe of Twell, Xpressions Carnival Band, Island Tribe Carnival Band, Royalties Xtreme Carnival Band, Just 4 Fun, Phoenix Carnival Band, Legends Carnival Band, and Insonmeil Carnival Band.
The parade begins at the Choc Roundabout and heads south utilising the south bound lanes towards the Vigie Roundabout, then turns right onto the John Compton Highway into the city. The bands will then turn left onto Jn Baptiste Street, where they will cross the stage for judging near Anchorage. The bands will then make a right onto Darling Road, right onto Jeremie Street, left onto Peynier Street, right onto Micoud Street, right onto Manoel Street, right onto Jeremie Street and left onto John Compton Highway where they will make their return to the Choc Roundabout.
The Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) says it is working closely with the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), Saint Lucia Fire Service and Ministry of Health to ensure the safety of all revellers and spectators.
Fully staffed medical tents will be strategically located along the parade route to provide immediate response to any emergencies. Police will be out in full force across both days, ensuring the safety, order, and smooth flow of the festivities.
The CPMC encourages everyone to participate safely and respectfully as Saint Lucia celebrates the national spectacle of the Parade of the Bands.
Whilst blood flows in the streets….priceless