Feel The Rhythm & Dance To The Beat At St. Vincent Carnival!

If you're planning a carnival-inspired vacation in Saint Vincent, this article will provide you with all the information you need to know to make the most of your trip!

During Vincy Mas, held in the summertime, several carnival events occur before the grand carnival parade. These events start from the last Friday in June and continue until mid-way through the second week in July, spanning around 12 days. In 2024, Vincy Mas will be held from Friday, June 28 to Friday, July 12. To accommodate the carnival grand finale, Monday, July 1, and Tuesday, July 2, are holidays on the island.

Many of the carnival traditions we celebrate today, such as the ones in St. Vincent & The Grenadines, have their roots in African customs, with influences from the French and British. The history of colonialism played a significant role in shaping these traditions. The first Vincy Mas was likely celebrated by the European settlers on the island, with private parties and balls held in their homes. Over time, these celebrations grew in size and popularity, evolving into the vibrant carnival we know today. This event is now a beloved celebration of Caribbean culture, attracting locals and visitors who come together to embrace freedom and honor local traditions.

The sound of steel pan drums, upbeat soca music, and catchy calypso tunes are the backdrop for SVG's most popular carnival events. The Parade of the Bands is the main carnival event. This massive street festival includes dancing, music, costumes, and enjoying some good ol' Caribbean fun.

Carnival is a series of events culminating in a cultural explosion and resulting in a party like no other. As part of Saint Vincent Carnival, you can look forward to several exciting events, including:

Several groups, including some of the main carnival bands, participate in the Vincy Mas J'ouvert Jam. Instead of costumes, revelers usually wear t-shirts, shorts, and sneakers as they dance along the J'ouvert route. Another thing that sets J'ouvert apart from the main event is the use of paint, oil, mud, and sometimes molasses, which people smear all over themselves. The participants who do this are known as "Jab Jabs," and they are essentially carnival "devils." Jouvert Jab Jabs engage in lively entertainment and occasionally playfully pursue revelers, adding to the festive atmosphere.

During the carnival season in SVG, soca and calypso music can be heard everywhere you go. You might not be familiar with all of the music, but the catchy beats are sure to get you moving. If you're interested in learning more about the island's music, attending events like the annual Soca and Calypso Monarch competitions can be a great way to do so. Local performers compete for the Calypso or Soca Monarch King and Queen titles at these events, and the winner receives prizes and bragging rights.

Pageants are a common part of carnival celebrations in the Caribbean. In Saint Vincent, the Miss SVG pageant is a major festival highlight. It features talented and beautiful young women from all over the island. The competition includes segments such as talent, costume, interview, and more, with the contestants vying for the title of Miss Saint Vincent. The winner is awarded multiple prizes and is prominently featured throughout the carnival season and beyond.

The Carnival King and Queen competitions are centered around costumes. Each band puts forth their best effort to create large, intricate costumes that surpass the typical costumes worn by revelers. The top winners often have their costumes featured in the main carnival parade. The competition winners, also known as the Carnival King and Queen, are announced after the presentations and live performances at the event.

Steelpan music truly embodies the essence of the Caribbean vibe. This complex music adds an extraordinary touch to carnival celebrations. Attending the Junior Pan Fest is a great way to immerse yourself in some of the finest steel pan melodies if you are in SVG. The Junior Pan Fest features young steel pan players in a competitive setup. Children and teenagers showcase their skills at this event, making it a heartwarming experience.

During the Parade of the Bands, the carnival bands appear in a specific order. Performers and VIP sections usually lead the bands, and each band has several sections, each with its own unique costumes. While costumes for men and women usually have the same color scheme based on the band and section, there are some exceptions. Overall, the Parade of the Bands is an exciting event that allows revelers to end the carnival celebrations in grand style.

After enjoying the whirlwind of events, from J'ouvert to the Parade of the Bands, you'll be more than ready to return to your home base. That's where the all-inclusive resorts of Saint Vincent come in handy. We highly recommend a resort located on the beach, such as Sandals Saint Vincent. Saint Vincent vacation packages are as diverse as the island itself, so you're bound to find something to suit your needs for your next vacation!