With Carnival over, Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire is asking Saint Lucians to think about how the festival has changed.
In a message posted on the Archdiocese of Castries’ Facebook page, Archbishop Malzaire acknowledged how important Carnival is to Saint Lucia and the Caribbean. However, he also shared his concerns about some of the behaviours and attitudes linked to the celebrations.
The archbishop said Carnival has changed a lot from its original purpose as a celebration before Lent. Now, he explained, the festival is closely tied to tourism and entertainment, with events happening in communities year-round.
He wondered whether more celebrations are leading to a culture where partying never stops. Still, Malzaire made it clear he is not asking for Carnival to be abandoned.
He praised the beauty and creativity of Carnival, including its music, costumes, art, craftsmanship, and pageantry. He said these parts of Carnival should be kept because they build national pride and bring people together.
He is mainly worried about some of the more troubling parts of street revelry.
He said some Carnival costumes, especially those worn by women, are becoming more revealing. He said the discussion should go beyond clothing and also look at how people are treated because of what they wear.
The archbishop mentioned disrespectful comments from spectators and people on social media. He said the bigger issue concerns dignity, respect and the messages children are receiving.
“Our concern must go deeper than clothing,” he said, emphasising the importance of people recognising their own dignity and expecting that dignity to be respected by others.
Malzaire also encouraged Saint Lucians to consider whether Carnival is reflecting the kind of society they want for the future. He said personal freedom should not mean being free from responsibility, restraint or respect for others.
He also had concerns that went beyond Carnival itself.
The archbishop linked the rise of party culture to other changes he sees in society. He gave examples like reckless driving, drivers not dimming their headlights, and people being less considerate, which he believes show a wider decline in courtesy, integrity and responsibility.
However, his message was not meant to condemn anyone.
Malzaire explained that he spoke out because he truly cares about where society is heading and the values being taught to the next generation.
He encouraged Saint Lucians to keep celebrating the parts of Carnival that bring joy, creativity and unity, but also to confront the aspects that might harm human dignity.
