Hey Carnival Chasers! 🌟 Let me take you on a virtual trip to Saint Lucia Carnival through the eyes of a Carnival-obsessed girl group! This year, I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing all the magic on behalf of Glam Hub, and trust me, it was a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and non-stop vibes. Meet the Gang:
From left: Marissa Williams - Trinidadian Carnival Band Model, Shanique Singh - Miss Jamaica World, Trisha Newaz - American TikTok Influencer and Carnival Enthusiast
Day One: Pretty Mas
Saint Lucia Carnival is a two-day parade similar to Trinidad Carnival but with its own unique flair. Pretty Mas happens on Monday, followed by T-shirt Mas (or Tuesday Mas) on Tuesday. From the moment we hit the road, the energy was turnt, as 7000 masqueraders marched down the street. It was surprising how many of the Carnival models, influencers and celebrities attended, solidifying it as a bonafide must-do Carnival. Do not expect a lunch halt, lunch is a moving affair. Learn to chip and eat! The main route is easier to access by water than by car. The Carnival route is on one major thoroughfare that supports two lanes of Traffic which becomes completely inundated by the carnival with no side streets or shortcuts. Once this Carnival starts that's it. The roads are closed.
Our Glam Hub Experience
We kicked off our Carnival morning at Glam Hub, located at Sandals Halcyon. Starting at 4:00 AM, we were treated to complimentary Luc Belair, mimosas, and breakfast (Fruits, croissants, jam tarts, coffee and tea). The photoshoots were on the beachfront, giving us the perfect backdrop for our pre-carnival pics. There was a DJ spinning the hottest Saint Lucian Soca tracks, dressing assistants, and even a barber for our male companions. The venue was picturesque and clean, complete with a changing room and large mirrors.
Trish getting ready at the Hub, Saint Lucia
Surviving the Route
The Carnival route is long, and once the roads are blocked, there's no turning back. That’s why our first pro tip is to stay in the Rodney Bay area or book a hotel on the route. We stayed at Sandals Halcyon, and it was perfect – the bands literally pass in front of the gate and it was just a short distance from the famous Bum Bum wall. By the time you reach the stretch by the airport and town center that's when you're going to need your stamina. Staying hydrated is key, so carry the cup that come in your Carnival bag – alcohol trucks hand out water freely regardless of the band. All bands travel the same route and are close-knit, so you can freely walk into other bands until they start asking everyone to get in their section for judging points and stages. Although they serve lunch, walk with some spending money, the roadside food along the route adds to the experience.
Day Two: T-shirt Mas (Tuesday Wear)
On Carnival Tuesday, we joined the band at 3 PM in the middle of town, just in time to hit the Bum Bum Wall in the afternoon. On Tuesday, the march generally starts later and you can wear whatever you want. Remember to carry your cup from the day before, as the drink truck won't have any. Xuvo gave us cool Tuesday wear kits and we marched towards our hotel which was a relief. Tuesday is a little more laxed, less people on the road and with an absence of wings more space to dance, jam, and get on bad.
Celebrity Sighting: Chloe Bailey
Although we heard she was in town and playing mas. We didn't see her and only saw photos. She was in another Band. Saint Lucia Carnival has around 9 bands, with Legends and Xuvo being the largest. Glam Hub is partnered with Xuvo, so that's who we jumped with. Chloe's wore a Legend's Band costume which was designed by Trinidadian designer Fon Rose. This was the second year in a row that Chloe has played Carnival in Saint Lucia.
Exploring Saint Lucia
When we weren’t on the road, we made sure to explore the beautiful island of Saint Lucia. We took a day trip to Soufriere to visit the volcano and bathe in the hot sulphur springs. The Jerusalem Hot Spring Bath was another highlight, where we enjoyed a relaxing soak in the natural hot water. We also visited the town of Soufriere and swam in the sea, which had unique black lava sand. For those looking for more adventure, Saint Lucia offers catamaran tours to see the majestic Pitons, whale-watching trips, and exhilarating ATV tours. These activities are perfect for soaking in the stunning scenery and vibrant culture of the island.
Pro Tips for Saint Lucia Carnival
Stay in Rodney Bay: The best way to avoid traffic and get the most out of your experience is to stay close to the action. The traffic can be a nightmare, and once you’re in, you’re in for the day.
Walk with your cup both days: That cup you get in your carnival bag, try not to lose it or forget it after Monday, as you will also need it for Tuesday. learnt this one the hard way. lol
Carry Sunblock and Bug Spray: The heat is intense, unless you intentionally want to get 3 shades darker, carry sunblock. Remember you're in the islands, the mosquitos come out like clockwork between 5-7 PM.
Travel Hack: If your flight is routing you through Trinidad, it’s cheaper to hop over to Tobago and then take a British Airways flight to Saint Lucia. Use the Hopper app for better flight deals.
Get an Esim: We purchased a 7-day Esim package from YESIM -totally worth it. If you're from the Caribbean your existing Digicel or FLOW can be simply activated.
Plan for Hair and Makeup: There aren’t many Carnival pro makeup and hairstylists in Saint Lucia. Services like Carnival Glam Hub make sense with their one-stop offerings. Do the research.
Explore the Island: Take a day to visit the Pitons, Soufriere Volcano, The Sulphur Hot Springs, and the many warm water pools and waterfalls. Saint Lucia is beautiful, and you won’t want to miss these sites. If you'r eup for adventure, there are several ATV and Zip Lining tours. Hire a driver. If you prefer to rent a car, choose an SUV. A fair price is around US$50-80. We used a place called Good Fellas.
Be Vigilant and Aware: Saint Lucia does not have a high crime rate like that of Jamaica or Trinidad but pickpockets frequent the carnival procession. We literally had a man try to steal our phone until one of the guys we were travelling with stepped in. Be careful, especially In the middle of the town, after the airport passage, it gets a little tight with outsiders and security becomes laxed.
Glam Hub Saint Lucia Carnival Recap
Final Thoughts
Saint Lucia Carnival is a must-experience event. It's its own carnival, not like Miami, not like Jamaica and certainly not like Trinidad. From the high-energy Soca to the breathtaking costumes and the sheer joy of the road march, it’s an unforgettable experience. Try to learn their music before you arrive as they only play Saint Lucian Soca on the road. But trust us, don't just go there for the Carnival, explore and indulge Saint Lucia is beautiful with lots of hidden gems.
Check out our photos from this epic Carnival experience on our Instagram Page, and don’t forget to book your Glam Hub package for next year. We’re looking forward to making your Carnival experience as glamorous and hassle-free as possible. Next stop, Toronto and Barbados!
Stay fabulous, Carnival Chasers! 💃🏽✨
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