Though Saint Lucia’s Carnival continues to grow in regional and international stature, the first leg of the route — from the Choc Roundabout to Vigie — may have lacked the event’s usual spark on day one. Onlookers described a lull in excitement from both revellers and spectators in the early hours. Still, familiar hotspots like ‘Red Hill’ and ‘Bum Bum Wall’ eventually saw the energy pick up, and most expect momentum to build on Tuesday.
DJ Megs, an onlooker stationed alongside the highway in Vide Boutielle handing out free drinks to promote his August brunch party event, said the vibe grew stronger as the parade progressed.
“So far, I’d say towards the latter part the energy picked up. Maybe tomorrow, because I suspect everybody was tired from all the events happening before,” he said.
A regular Carnival-goer, he said some tweaks could enhance the experience: “It’s just to make a difference — just putting things differently in terms of organisation and logistics. Yeah, it’s the same route, but you can make something different.”
He pointed to one minor improvement this year: the addition of stairs to the Bum Bum Wall. As for business, he said, “Always good.”
Saint Lucian Travis Weekes, currently based in Trinidad but visiting temporarily, said from his vantage point near the highway, he expects more buzz on day two.
“Normally, the first day is not as exciting as the second, so I kind of expect people are now just getting into it. But I know tomorrow’s going to be the real thing,” he told St Lucia Times.
One bright spot for Weekes is the prominence of local music. “The Dennery Segment in particular — I can tell how it’s really part of us…. It’s energising the revellers.”
He also noted the visible presence of overseas visitors this year—a sign, he said, of the festival’s growth.
Parading near the tail end with noticeably higher energy was the popular band Just 4 Fun, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Inside the band, a quick vibe check revealed a mix of enjoyment and minor complaints among revellers.
Among the crowd was a group of friends visiting from New York. Despite what they described as some logistical hiccups, they said they were enjoying their stay on the island.
“So far, the majority of the trip has been enjoyable. I would say there’s been a little bit of disorganisation, but that’s primarily with the band we joined for our Carnival experience,” one female reveller said.
“But Saint Lucia as a country overall — coming through customs and immigration, they were extremely kind and helpful. They were very courteous.”
Originally from Guyana, she added that the steel pan welcome at Hewanorra Airport was a highlight: “I love this country and I absolutely plan on coming back.”
One male reveller, visiting from Trinidad for his second Lucian Carnival, said day one fell short of expectations.
“Last year was a blast,” he said. “Today, I’m not enjoying it just yet.” In a lighter moment, he chalked it up to a missing ingredient: “It could be because I couldn’t get my drink of choice — Hennessy.”
Day two of Carnival is set to begin at 10 a.m. Tuesday. Most expect the energy to return in full force.
