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By Loshaun Dixon
The streets of Basseterre came alive in a rush of colour, music and pure carnival energy as Sugar Mas 54 reached its grand finale with the SKELEC Grand Parade of the Bands on January 1, followed by the ever-popular Last Lap on January 2.
Under the theme “Sweet to the Core,” thousands of masqueraders, residents and visitors poured into the capital, turning the city into a moving canvas of feathers, sequins and cultural storytelling. From pulsating soca rhythms to the rich presence of moko jumbies, clowns and bull mas, the Grand Parade celebrated both the modern and traditional heartbeat of Kittitian carnival.
Amid fierce competition, Ultra Carnival rose above the field to capture the coveted Troupe of the Year title, amassing an impressive 886 points. Their bold portrayals and high-energy execution drew loud cheers along the judging route and clearly impressed the judges. Ultra Carnival also dominated several other categories, winning Queen of the Bands with 824 points, Section of the Year for “Rodeo Royale” with 115 points, and Most Powerful Troupe with 146 points.
Luxe Carnival followed closely behind, earning First Runner-Up with 815 points for their visually striking “Garden of Nations” presentation. The band also secured the award for First Parade Day Troupe to Reveal All Costumes, adding to an already strong showing. Novali Carnival rounded out the top three as Second Runner-Up with 657 points, while claiming King of the Bands honours with 832 points.
The celebrations rolled seamlessly into Last Lap on January 2, offering a more relaxed but no less spirited close to the season. Revellers returned to the streets in recycled costumes or casual wear, dancing freely behind music trucks and DJs for one final release before bidding farewell to Sugar Mas 54.
Culture Minister Samal Duggins hailed the carnival as a major success, pointing to its growing economic and cultural impact. Building on last year’s estimated EC$21 million boost to the economy, Sugar Mas 54 recorded increased visitor arrivals and strong local participation, further strengthening St. Kitts and Nevis’ reputation as a premier carnival destination. Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew also praised the festival, highlighting the creativity on display and the sense of national pride and community spirit it inspired.
However, the season ended on a sombre note following a fatal stabbing during Last Lap in central Basseterre. Police have since launched an investigation, while the St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival Committee expressed condolences to the victim’s family, noting that despite the tragedy, overall incidents of violence during the season were reduced compared to previous years.
As the music fades and the streets return to normal, Sugar Mas 54 leaves behind memories of joy, creativity and resilience. From breathtaking costumes to unforgettable street energy, the festival once again lived up to its name—proving that carnival in St. Kitts and Nevis remains truly sweet to the core.
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