St Lucia Carnival 2024: The Island’s Biggest Annual Party! St Lucia Carnival is one of the top annual party events in the Caribbean. Taking place each year in July, the island of St Lucia turns into a massive celebration filled with elaborate costumes, intoxicating rhythms, parades and more. Under the leadership of the Cultural Development […]
St Lucia Carnival 2024 Castries St. LuciaCastries, St. Lucia
St Lucia Carnival 2024: The Island’s Biggest Annual Party!
St Lucia Carnival is one of the top annual party events in the Caribbean. Taking place each year in July, the island of St Lucia turns into a massive celebration filled with elaborate costumes, intoxicating rhythms, parades and more.
Under the leadership of the Cultural Development Foundation, St Lucia Carnival has been recognised as one of the top carnivals in the Caribbean and continues to grow more vibrant and creative each year.
“The Season culminates in an exciting, fun-filled two-day street parade of live bands and DJ music, stunning Carnival costumes and the joyous and energetic revelry typical of Caribbean carnivals”
The festivities begin in the days leading up to the event, with a range of parties and celebrations taking place throughout the entire island. One of the most anticipated pre-carnival events is the ‘Color Me Red’ party; a large street party where people dress in Red.
Another popular event is the Transcend Neon Night party. The carnival action officially kicks off with ‘J’ouvert’, the official carnival opening street party. Other popular carnival parties include the Escape Fete, Aura, Duck Work Binge and Tribe Ignite.
Where to view St Lucia Carnival
St Lucia Carnival takes place in the island’s capital of Castries. You can find a wide range of festivities taking place throughout the entire city; with Castries and Gras Islet hosting most of the action.
A number of parties also take place on Pigeon Island, Reduit Beach and Rodney Bay Marina.
How to get around Castries
The nearest airport is St. Lucia George FL Charles Airport, located less than 10 minutes from the city center. The easiest way to get around the island is via car; however, public transport is also available.
You can find a range of car rental facilities at the airport, providing a convenient and affordable travel option around the island. Taxis are also readily available at the airport as well as throughout the city.
One of the most popular ways to get around is via the island’s minivan bus service. This is a popular choice among locals and tourists alike and provides an authentic island experience. A number of bus routes are available, generally operating from Castries to Gras Islet or Rodney Bay.
You can catch one of the minivans at a marked bus stop or by flagging it down along the coastal road. Public transport is extremely affordable in Castries, with fares from Castries to the North starting at less than $1! You can also rent bikes, scooters and mopeds, for an exciting and flexible way to travel around the island.
Where to stay in St Lucia for Carnival
The city of Castries features a wide variety of accommodation options available for visitors ranging from hostels to hotels, Airbnbs, vacation rentals, villas, resorts and more.
Some of the most popular accommodation options include Hotel Bel Jou, the Villa Beach Cottages and St. James’s Club Morgan Bay. You can explore all the nearby accommodation options below.
Things to do in Castries
The Saint Lucia capital of Castries offers a range of things to see and do. The heart of the city is home to a bustling tourism scene, with cruise ships docking in the port each day. You can find a wide variety of shops, markets and malls in Castries; with everything from fresh fruit and vegetables, to spices, clothes, souvenirs, handmade crafts and more available.
The busiest day for the fruit and vegetable market is Saturday and locals come in from all over the island to set up small stalls.
One of the most popular attractions in the city is the main church of Castries, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Don’t let the stone exterior fool you, the interior features stunning painted ceilings and bright panels along the walls.
Located just outside, you can also find Derek Walcott Square, a popular public park featuring native trees, a bandstand and more.
St Lucia Carnival 2024 Dates
Carnival takes place on July 1o-17, 2024.
Would you like to see more Carnivals in the Caribbean? Have a look at Antigua Carnival and Trinidad Carnival.
Photo Credits: Saint Lucia Carnival, Travel Saint Lucia and James Adjodha – Wavemaker Photography
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Accommodation near St Lucia Carnival 2024
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