The streets of Castries exploded with colour, rhythm, and revelry on Carnival Monday, marking the energetic kickoff of Lucian Carnival 2025, one of many Caribbean’s most beloved cultural celebrations.
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With 1000’s of revellers masquerading via the streets and worldwide celebrities absorbing the vibes, Saint Lucia has formally set the tone for a competition “for the books.”
Amongst these becoming a member of within the festivities have been Angela Simmons, Lance Gross, and Chloe Bailey, every noticed on the street totally immersed within the Carnival spirit. Simmons, taking to Instagram, gushed that “St. Lucia Carnival is one for the books!” whereas actor Lance Gross shared: “Consider all of the hype! It’s wonderful! St Lucia Carnival for the win!”
Chloe Bailey, now marking her second consecutive 12 months at Lucian Carnival, additionally appeared road-ready and radiant, proving that this small island’s Carnival has change into a staple on the worldwide scene.
Monday’s Parade of the Bands noticed over 7,000 revellers take to the streets of Castries, whereas 1000’s extra lined the sidewalks to witness the dazzling spectacle. Of the 9 costumed bands that crossed the judging factors, two clear crowd favorites emerged.
Xuvo Carnival Band, led by Lamar Sifflet, wowed onlookers with their ethereal theme “Isle of Angels,” commanding the street with 2,300 revellers in full feathered splendor. Whereas Simply 4 Enjoyable Carnival Band, celebrating its twenty fifth anniversary, got here sturdy with “25 Years of MAS,” that includes 2,000 revellers and proving why it stays one of many island’s most enduring and iconic bands. Underneath the management of Veil Tobiere, the band’s milestone 12 months was met with cheers and admiration.
Different bands additionally lit up the streets with aptitude; Tribe of Twel paid homage to custom with Bel Wad ek Soulye, Xpressions Carnival Band, now in its third 12 months, infused folkloric motifs in Folklore. Fuzion Mas, Island Tribe, Royalites Xtreme, Phoenix, and Legends Carnival Band all added various components of pageantry and efficiency. Newcomer Nexus, although not formally listed on Monday’s lineup, made a shock look and was nicely acquired by the group.
The pulsating soundtrack of the day saved hips swaying and flags waving from dawn to sundown. The street was alive with 2025’s greatest soca anthems in St. Lucia, together with: Ezra D’Funmachine’s Depressing, Dezral and Jardel’s Automotive, Calto’s I Cry, Distant’s Wire Oh, Ricky T and Hollywood HP’s Freakout, Ti Black and Imran Nerdy’s We Di Vibes
These hits echoed via Castries, fueling the enjoyment of masqueraders and guaranteeing continuous motion from begin to end.
As Carnival Tuesday guarantees even bigger crowds and extra breathtaking moments, all eyes are actually on the upcoming bulletins for Band of the 12 months, Highway March Champion, and different extremely anticipated titles, which might be revealed on Wednesday by the Carnival Planning and Administration Committee.
If Carnival Monday was any indication, Lucian Carnival 2025 is already a convincing success.
