The Caribbean island of St. Kitts is gearing up for the destination’s major event of the year, its annual national carnival, as it prepares for an unforgettable month of vibrant Caribbean music, dance and culture for all to enjoy.  Officially held from November 22nd 2013 for pre-Carnival events, the weeks leading up to January 5th 2014 offer a fantastic opportunity to celebrate Christmas and the New Year in true Caribbean style, with an eclectic mix of live carnival entertainment with the more traditional practices of the Christmas festive season.

Also known as ‘Sugar Mas’, the annual Carnival brings the island to life, mixing together both visitors and locals alike to revel in major folklore traditions. The culture in St. Kitts amplifies as Carnival arrives, playing a huge role in typical island life. From its opening ceremony on November 22nd, Carnival gets into full swing as participating locals’ parade the streets in magnificent and colourful costumes, ready to thoroughly entertain the crowds as well as showing support for the Calypso Semi- Finals, held on December 15th.

Extravagant calypso shows and lively street parties, complemented by the rich customary sounds of steel and brass bands, make this event one of the most anticipated throughout the year. A popular part of the event is the exciting Masquerade King Pageant. Incorporating a mix of African and European traditions and dances, the performers wear vibrant costumes embellished with decorative mirrors and ribbons, finished off with attractive and animated headdresses for full festival impact.

Leading up to Christmas, the gala makes way for the Cane Juice Cooler Fete in addition to  International Night, held on December 23rd. 

Following Christmas, Carnival kicks up a notch with J’ouvert Jam remaining one of the most talked about events.  Celebrated on Boxing Day, from the early hours of the morning, local soca bands take to the streets to circle the major roads in the capital, Basseterre, to please the thousands that come to support their favourite bands. At midday, dozens of masquerades, clown troupes and Moko-Jumbies (stilt walkers, wearing stilts six to eight feet high, originating from Africa) fill the streets as the sparkling energy continues.

Friday December 27th sees the highly acclaimed National Carnival Queen Pageant opening while Saturday December 28th brings in the Senior Calypso Monarch Finals.

Other highlights of Carnival include the Junior Carnival Parade, taking place on December 31st while revellers can enjoy the Carnival Grand Parade on January 1st, carrying visitors excitedly into the New Year. 'Las Lap' is held the following day on January 2nd while the Prime Minister’s New Year Gala follows on January 4th with the final climax on January 5th, the Sugar Mas 42 Cool Down Fete, bringing the carnival to a remarkable finale.

Caribbean Telecommunications provider, LIME, has once again confirmed its sponsorship of the 2013/2014 Carnival Season, along with additional sponsors including ZIZ, St. Kitts Nevis Anguilla Trading and Development Co. Ltd, St. Kitts Marriott Resort, St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Limited, Liat, Carib Brewery, Development Bank of St. Kits and Nevis and Caribbean Superstation.

For more information and to keep up-to-date with the latest events, visit; http://www.stkittsneviscarnival.com/ or follow on Facebook at; https://www.facebook.com/SKNCarnival

About St. Kitts

Located in the northern Leeward Islands of the Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and rich history.  The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the region’s only scenic railway which connects the island’s former sugar plantations, visiting the Caribelle Batik factory, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, zip lining, and more traditional pastimes such as watersports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches. Accommodation ranges from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels and resorts.

St. Kitts is currently served twice weekly on Saturday and Tuesday from London Gatwick by British Airways, the first scheduled carrier to provide regular airlift to the island. The aircraft is a three class, 280 seat Boeing 777, holding 40 Club World seats, 24 World Traveller Plus and 216 World Traveller seats.

For more information about St. Kitts, please contact the St. Kitts Tourism Authority toll free from the US at 1-800-582-6208 or from Canada 1-888-395-4887, e-mail info@stkittstourism.kn, visit www.stkittstourism.kn, or connect on Facebook, Twitter and/or YouTube. 

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For press information please contact:
Zarina McCulloch
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8203 5011
Email: zarina_mcculloch@yahoo.com