St. Kitts and Nevis’ top festivals will allow you to experience the island’s rich culture, music and heritage. If you’re planning a visit, planning your trip around one or more of these activities will be an unforgettable experience.
Although St. Kitts and Nevis is famous for its natural resources and stunning attractions, attending a local festival will be a learning experience. Mingle with the island’s residents and learn about some of their most cherished traditions.
1. St. Kitts Music Festival
date: Usually in June
describe: The St. Kitts Music Festival is one of the most important music festivals in the Caribbean. This is a “diverse musical” that combines exciting music with thrilling performances. It brings together international and local artists in genres such as reggae, soca, calypso, jazz and R&B. Billed as “the most diverse music show in the Caribbean,” the festival attracts music lovers from all over the world.
2. Nevis Culture
date: Late July to early August (usually the last week of July)
describe: Nevis Cultural Festival is the largest cultural festival in Nevis. The festival takes place on the Liberation Day/August Monday weekend and celebrates the island’s African heritage and traditions. The concept of Culturama was proposed at a meeting of the Nevis Theater and Cultural Society (NEDACS) in February 1974. The schedule includes parades, calypso contests, steel pan music, street dancing, beauty pageants and a traditional food fair.
3. Sugar Horse Carnival
date: From December to early January, the main events revolve around Christmas and New Year’s Eve
describe:Sugar Mas is one of the most vibrant and exciting cultural festivals in St. Kitts. Originating in the 1950s, Sugar Mas is a celebration of life featuring colorful parades, calypso and soca competitions, parties and concerts. Although the festival is a blend of Christmas traditions and African culture, its name is a nod to the island’s sugar cane industry, which was once a major source of income.
4. Nevis Mango Festival
date: Usually held in July
describe: The Nevis Mango Festival is a delicious celebration of the island’s beloved fruit, the mango. This is a festival that showcases the talent of chefs, bartenders and their ability to utilize more than 40 mango flavours. There are a variety of events here, including mango tastings, live music and performances, chef masterclasses and mango-eating competitions.
5. Nevis Marathon and Running Festival
date: Usually held in September
describe: The Nevis Marathon and Running Festival is an unforgettable running experience for runners of all abilities. The festival features four races – a full marathon (26.2 miles), a half marathon (13.1 miles), a 10K (6.1 miles) and a 5K (3.1 miles). The route covers most of Nevis’ scenic spots and is one of the most stunning running routes in the world.
6. Black San Bang Alang
date: change
describe: Black San’ Bang-A-Lang Festival is a community festival organized by SPIRIT, a group of community changemakers. The festival pays homage to the black sand beaches of Belle Tete in the Sandy Point area. This is a family-oriented event that includes several activities including picnics and open-air performances.
7. Green Valley Festival
date: May or June
describe: Green Valley Festival is a colorful community festival that celebrates and keeps the culture of St. Kitts and Nevis alive. The Green Valley Festival takes place in Cayon, St. Kitts, and hosts a number of community events. For example, gospel concerts, car and bike shows, beauty pageants, parades and carnivals.
To learn more about the festivals in St. Kitts and Nevis, please visit the links below:
