St Lucia Carnival 2022: New Details Announced for Return of Event in July
by Karen Rollins Apr 5, 2022
St Lucia’s carnival is set to be as bold and bright as ever when it takes place from 7-19 July 2022, despite the current COVID-19 restrictions.
Speaking at a recent media launch for the annual event, Dr Ernest Hilaire, minister for tourism, investment, creative industries, culture, and information, unveiled the full carnival calendar of activities which includes national events, private parties, and boat rides.
He said the ‘nothing sweeter than that’ street party was “part of St Lucian life” and was “really missed” during the past two years when it was cancelled because of the global pandemic.
Dr Hilaire added that Calypso would be a major focus point this year because of its importance to St Lucian culture.
He stated: “We want to make sure that we have Calypso as the central focus of the carnival season. Carnival in St Lucia is not just about the parties and the parade; carnival is a lot more than that for us. So, we have to make sure that Panorama lives on and there is a deliberate attempt in the calendar where all the national events are upfront, and the parties are at the back end.”
Dr Hilaire added: “It’s going to be excitement right through. I promise revellers that, despite the severe limitations we face, we’ll have an exciting time.”
Entertainment stakeholders at the nationwide media launch said interest in carnival was already high, especially among locals, and they expect events during the 12-day celebration to be well attended and supported.
Lorine Charles St. Jules, chief executive officer at the St Lucia Tourism Authority, said that entry into the country would be made as smooth as possible for visiting revellers, and added that “there would be something for everyone” with a range of “offbeat” excursions and events also planned to showcase the best of St Lucia.
