St. Lucia Carnival
July 10th to July 17th, 2024.
St. Lucia Carnival is one of the top annual party events in the Caribbean. Each year in July, the island of St Lucia turns into a massive celebration filled with elaborate costumes, intoxicating rhythms, parades, pure Caribbean energy, and more. The festivities begin in the days leading up to the main event (street parade), with a wide variety of parties and celebrations taking place across the entire island.
St. Lucia Carnival (previously called the Lucian Mas) is a lively and vibrant celebration of St. Lucia’s rich Caribbean culture and heritage. The celebration evolved from the island’s unique mix of Catholic, Caribbean, and African heritage.
Soca Islanders are required to produce proof of COVID-19 vaccination 30 days before departure. Remember, flights aren’t included.
What’s included in your St. Lucia Carnival experience?
Accommodation
Your choice of single, double, triple, or quad occupancy options from a number of hotels, guesthouses, and private homes.
Airport Transfers and Ground Transportation
Pick-up from and drop-off is available to and from both airports on the island. We arrange daily transportation (private or group) from your accommodation to the events on your itinerary in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles. Additional transportation services are available on request at an additional cost.
Remember, you need to book your flights separately.
Carnival Costume
Female backline or male customer from Xuvo. You can upgrade to a frontline costume subject to availability. Costume pickup and delivery are included.
St. Lucia Mineral and Mud Baths
Spend your day relaxing with this St. Lucia Mineral and Mud Baths with the Toraille Waterfall Experience. First, go to Sulphur Springs, the hot sulfuric black water pools and mud baths. Then, enjoy time at the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens and Mineral Baths and Toraille Waterfall.
Snorkelling and Swimming
We visit Jalousie Beach for snorkeling and swimming at the Sugar Beach resort.
Gros Islet Friday Night Lime
The popular Gros Islet Friday night street party, also known as the Jump Up, is one big neighborhood party. The narrow streets of Gros Islet fill up by 7 p.m., and by then the food shacks are busy: Hungry patrons shout out their orders and wait impatiently as the seafood steams and fries. Drinks and food are not included.
Meet and Greet
Get to know your fellow Soca Islanders who will be jumping alongside you for the week.
Fete Tickets
Tickets to some of the most popular events:
- Escape All Inclusive
- Sa Ka Fete
- MESS
- Soca Raff-up
- Indulgence Breakfast Party*
- Brazen Beach Party
Photography
Professional photos by our group photographer who will be with us for all the events and the street parade.
St. Lucia Carnival payment plan.
Initial Deposit: 15%
Final Payment due on or before May 10, 2024
Soca Islands provides you with the most flexible payment plan making it super easy and affordable to book your St. Lucia Carnival experience by asking for payments in three installments. Your 15% deposit is due upon booking, followed by 35% of the total cost due 30 days after booking. The remaining 50% is due 60 days before your trip.
For bookings made between 90 and 60 days before the start date of the experience, 50% of the total cost of the experience must be paid upon booking.
Bookings made between 60 days and 30 days before the start date of the experience, 100% of the total cost of the experience must be paid upon booking.
St. Lucia travel information.
Capital: Castries
Time Zone: GMT -04:00
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar, 1.00 USD = 2.60 XCD
Driving: On the left
Electricity: 110V and 220V
Equal parts beauty and mystique, Saint Lucia captivates anyone who sets foot on her coastline. Always evocative, she welcomes visitors with her soothing waves, warm beaches, and hospitable people. The only sovereign nation to be named for a woman, the island personifies adventure and inspiration. Her visitors invariably find themselves reluctant to leave and eager to return.
Saint Lucia is the quintessential island paradise. Imagine the majestic peaks of the Pitons reaching to the heavens, the splendor of lush rainforests, and the hypnotizing blue-green waters of the Caribbean breaking just off shore. The island’s landscape, people, customs, and cuisine intertwine to provide the perfect setting for the vacation of a lifetime.
Here, the unique confluence of Caribbean, African, English, and French cultures creates an exquisite blend of food, music, and traditions that will inspire and enchant you. “Ki bèl pèi!” is Kwéyòl for, “What a lovely country!” When you visit Saint Lucia, you’ll discover that it’s not just lovely, it’s truly magical. Discover her mystery and let Saint Lucia inspire you.
Saint Lucia’s history is as rich as it is vibrant. The island is a virtual gumbo of cultures, and her people have a deeply held sense of cultural identity that they vigorously celebrate to this day. Embark on a voyage to discover Saint Lucia’s story, from her pirate past to her colonial times to the colorful customs of her people.
How to get around in St. Lucia
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 Gros 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. 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 Buena Vista Villas, Bay Garden Properties and Starfish Properties.
Things to do in Castries, St. Lucia
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. 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.