Saint Lucia’s Carnival has been declared a resounding success, with record-breaking attendance, increased merchandising and renewed cultural energy. But organisers admit the growing festival has outgrown its parade route and must adapt for next year.
“This is the third time here for Lucian Carnival after COVID, and I must say this is one of the best experiences, the best festivals one can come to,” declared Lisa from South Carolina, echoing the enthusiasm of more than 24 500 visitors who flocked to the country for the festivities.
From the Dennery segment beats to the scenic Carnival Monday and Tuesday parade, revellers and officials alike celebrated the event’s expansion.
Yet, with success came logistical challenges. “The bands are all bigger than they were last year, the largest number of revellers we’ve had on record,” said Tourism and Culture Minister Ernest Hilaire.
“The challenge for us is that the route is a limited route in terms of what you can do with it, although for the most part it worked out well.”
Carnival Planning Committee Chair Tamara Gibson agreed, vowing to revisit the layout.
“We will be going back to the drawing board and see how we can tweak what we can make better and how we can improve, whether it be visitor expectations, spectator experiences, whatever it is,” she said.
“But we keep trying to find ways to make this festival the best summer festival in the region.”
Gibson called this year’s 30-event season, stretching from March’s cultural showcases to July’s climactic parade, a “long but enjoyable and unforgettable experience”.
The season saw visitor numbers surge, helped by second-daily flights from Miami and New York, merchandising breakthroughs with carnival-branded swimwear, hats and tumblers and cultural expansion, including a La Rose group and the return of steelpan to the route, according to officials.
There was also star power, with Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) public relations manager Geraine Georges citing “overwhelmingly positive” feedback from international media and celebrities including actor Lance Gross, singer Chloe Bailey and Canadian TV host Tyrone Edwards.
The accolades were shared around.
“You are the reason I came all the way here from Amsterdam, just to hear ‘plat plat plat’,” shouted an enthusiastic reveller with Fuzion Mas when he encountered Dennery segment artiste Umpa on the road Carnival Monday.
For James of Wavemaker, Lucian Carnival has many unique elements that make it outstanding, including Dennery segment and “the most scenic route on carnival Monday and Tuesday”. The SLTA also hosted media representatives from traditional international markets as well as Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago and Dominica.
Chairman Thaddeus Antoine said he was pleased that the marketing efforts are paying off.
“But, of course, to do that you must have a good product in the first place, and Lucian Carnival, we believe, is a very good product and one that we will keep refining and improving and also create a balance between both local and visitor satisfaction,” he said.
Hilaire highlighted the addition of cultural elements such as the La Rose group and the doubling of French participation.
“We saw pan back on the road, Xuvo had a pan side, and we saw the National Steelpan Association putting out a side this year. So we achieved that objective in terms of putting more creative and cultural elements in the Carnival,” the minister said.
“Generally, we are very satisfied. The national events went very well, the private parties all reported that they were sold out, so overall it has been another very good year.”
Officials thanked all stakeholders for their part in the success.
With Carnival 2026’s launch at the Miami Carnival just three months away, organisers are already balancing this year’s triumphs against practical improvements.
