J’ouvert, known as the ritual of Carnival, kicked off at 4 a.m. on Monday as revellers gathered at meeting points before flooding Castries’ streets. The strong turnout proved Lucian J’ouvert is alive and well as an authentic cultural staple.
Eight bands participated, including last year’s winner, Back in Time, with their portrayal Saint Lucian Carnival, showcasing pageantry, steelpan, soca, Dennery segment, and more.
One of oldest J’ouvert bands, Mudsters, also took to the streets with Mud Love. The other bands were J’ouvert Reborn (Jab Jab Unleashed), Come to Me Tire Shop (Democracy Jam), Funventure J’ouvert (Feelin’ Irie), Just 4 Fun (Vikings), Wee Outside J’ouvert Band (A Tale of Two Flowers), and Xpressions Carnival (Carib J’ouvert Jammers).
Revellers paraded along the John Compton Highway to Lucian soca beats, passing judges on Jn Baptiste Street. Ole Mas players and splashes of oil, mud and paint added to the energy. Crowds lined Jeremie Street and the highway to cheer them on.
Lucian J’ouvert kicked off the two-day festival finale that continues later on Monday with the parade of the bands and ends on Tuesday with Lucian Carnival’s last lap.
Police reported zero incidents, and organisers praised the smooth, lively turnout. The J’ouvert Band of the Year will be announced on Wednesday.
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