My First St. Lucia Carnival: How 2023 Changed Everything

I dug deep into my archives—my phone—to find moments from my first St. Lucia Carnival in 2023. At the time, I had an old iPhone 8 Plus that eventually broke, so my camera quality wasn’t the best. Still, I captured enough footage between that and my traditional camera to preserve the memories.

What’s funny is that I went to St. Lucia Carnival with zero expectations. I had never been to St. Lucia before, and the only Carnival I’d attended was in Miami. But the moment I arrived on the island, something clicked.

Rodney Bay: My First Home Base

We stayed at a gated Airbnb in Rodney Bay, the perfect blend of peaceful and convenient. Every morning, we woke up to crabs taking their morning stroll across the walkway—something I’d never seen before.

We ate at small local restaurants, experienced the culture up close, and walked to the nearby beach almost every day. It felt authentic in a way that instantly grounded me on the island.

Fetes That Defined the Trip

If you love fetes, St. Lucia Carnival spoils you quickly. Each event had its own energy, and I loved how easy it was to interact with locals—real conversations, real vibes.

My absolute favorite?

Indulgence Breakfast Fete.

The pink and prosecco theme, the sunrise atmosphere, the outfits, the energy… It was an instant classic. That fete alone is one of the reasons I decided I would return every year.

The Road: The Footwear Lesson I’ll Never Forget

I’ll be real—I was NOT prepared for the road. I didn’t have the right footwear, and by the end of day one, my feet were screaming. I actually told myself I wasn’t coming back out for day two.

But after a good night’s sleep—and my wife laughing at me—I got up and hit the road again.

I’m glad I did.

Day two of the road is more relaxed and expressive. You can wear what you want, move how you want, and just enjoy the freedom of it all. That day is when I truly fell in love with the road experience.

Why I Keep Returning

After attending St. Lucia Carnival for the past three years, one thing I’ve learned is this: every year has a different vibe. Don’t compare—just embrace it.

But the one constant?

It’s always amazing.

The music.

The people.

The culture.

The energy.

St. Lucia Carnival is a whole mood—something you feel, not just see.

If you haven’t experienced it yet, I hope you’ll join me for St. Lucia Carnival 2026.

It’s a Carnival you’ll remember forever.