Minister of Tradition Samal Duggins with masquerader Carla Bradshaw, grand daughter of the late St. Kitts Premier Robert Bradshaw, outdoors Jasmine’s Delicacies in Manhattan.
Picture by Nelson A. King
What is taken into account essentially the most important cultural occasion within the twin-island federation of St. Kitts and Nevis reached new worldwide heights final Wednesday evening, June 4, with the extremely anticipated launch of the St. Kitts-Nevis Nationwide Carnival, recognized regionally as Sugar Mas, at Jasmine Caribbean Delicacies on 371W, forty sixth St. in Manhattan.
Tourism and carnival officers stated the colourful occasion marked a “monumental second in St. Kitts’ ongoing efforts to increase its cultural footprint globally, additional cementing the vacation spot’s presence on the Caribbean Tourism Group’s (CTO) Caribbean Week.”
The launch was a collaborative enterprise between the St. Kitts Tourism Authority and the St. Kitts-Nevis Nationwide Carnival Committee.
Officers stated the occasion was overwhelmingly profitable, drawing over 40 attendees, together with influential journey writers, journey brokers, and social media influencers – all desirous to expertise the magic of St. Kitts and Nevis’ iconic competition.
The occasion offered a firsthand look into the islands’ wealthy tradition, providing friends a style of the festive vitality that makes Sugar Mas one of many Caribbean’s most anticipated celebrations.
Friends had been handled to an immersive cultural expertise, with the mesmerizing performances of masqueraders in conventional carnival apparel, the intoxicating rhythms of Caribbean music, and the irresistible flavors of Caribbean-infused culinary delights.
Attendees additionally loved signature cocktails and had the distinctive alternative to discover St. Kitts by means of a charming show of the island’s vibrant historical past and tradition.
The night culminated with an unique first take a look at the Sugar Mas Calendar of Occasions, giving attendees a preview of the spectacular celebrations to come back this carnival season.
Constructing on the success of final 12 months’s customer arrivals, which noticed a notable improve in worldwide journey to the islands, tourism officers stated the media launch was a part of St. Kitts and Nevis’ strategic focus to proceed rising customer numbers in 2025 and past.
By showcasing Sugar Mas’s unparalleled attract to the worldwide neighborhood, the nationwide carnival committee and the tourism authority stated they’re decided to additional elevate the vacation spot’s world profile. They intend to increase on final 12 months’s success and welcome much more guests to expertise the magic of St. Kitts.
“St. Kitts and Nevis’ Sugar Mas Carnival is the heartbeat of our tradition, a celebration that brings collectively the easiest of our music, arts, delicacies, and neighborhood spirit,” Minister of Tourism Marsha T. Henderson instructed the disclosing ceremony.
“By sharing the essence of Sugar Mas with the world, we invite our world household to expertise the magic of St. Kitts,” she added. “We’re excited to host guests from throughout the globe this season and present them why our carnival is in contrast to every other within the Caribbean.
“We’re constructing on the momentum of final 12 months’s improve in customer arrivals and are targeted on rising our tourism numbers additional with each passing 12 months,” continued Henderson, a lawyer by coaching.
Minister of Tradition Samal Duggins stated that the launch in New York Metropolis was “a testomony to the rising world recognition of Sugar Mas as one of many premier carnival celebrations within the Caribbean.
“We’re thrilled to carry this expertise to worldwide audiences, showcasing not
solely the enjoyment of our competition but in addition the welcoming spirit of our individuals,” he instructed the ceremony.
“This marks the start of a season that may undoubtedly be remembered for years to come back, and we’re assured that it’ll contribute to our ongoing efforts to spice up tourism and convey much more guests to our shores,” Duggins added.
Shannon Hawley, the St. Kitts-Nevis Nationwide Carnival chairperson, stated Sugar Mas takes place through the “most epic time of the 12 months.
“Sugar Mas presents one thing particular, together with the long-lasting J’Ouvert,” she stated, including that “final 12 months, we proved that we’re the fastest-growing carnival within the area.
“Over 60 % of revelers who participated in Sugar Mas had been overseas-based,“ continued Hawley, asking patrons to lift their glasses in cheers to Sugar Mas. ‘So, we invite you to St. Kitts and Nevis to get the sweetness of Sugar Mas.”
Hawley stated the occasion “guarantees to be a season of unforgettable moments, with thrilling occasions scheduled all through the competition.
“Sugar Mas 2025 will showcase the very best of St. Kitts’ cultural traditions, providing locals and guests alike the chance to participate in one of many Caribbean’s most exhilarating and colourful celebrations,“ she assured.
