The best festivals in St. Kitts and Nevis allow you to experience the island’s rich culture, music and heritage. If you’re planning to visit, timing your trip around one or more of these events will make for a memorable experience.
The islands of Saint Kitts and Nevis are known for their natural resources and breathtaking attractions, but participating in local festivals can be a learning experience. Mingle with the islanders and learn about their most cherished traditions.
1. St. Kitts Music Festival
date: Usually June
explanation: Saint Kitts Music Festival is one of the best music festivals in the Caribbean. It is a ‘diverse musical show’ that combines exciting music and exciting performances. Featuring international and local artists across a variety of genres including reggae, soca, calypso, jazz, R&B and more. Described as “the most diverse musical show in the Caribbean,” the festival attracts music lovers from all over the world.
2. Nevis Culturarama
date: Late July to early August (usually the last week of July)
explanation: Nevis Culturama is the largest cultural festival in Nevis. Held on the Liberation Day/August Monday weekend, the festival celebrates the island’s African heritage and traditions. Culturama was conceptualized at the February 1974 meeting of the Nevis Dramatic and Cultural Society (NEDACS). The schedule includes parades, calypso competitions, steelpan music, street dancing, beauty pageants and traditional food fairs.
3. Sugarmas Carnival
date: From December to early January, major events are held focusing on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
explanation: Sugar Mas is one of the most vibrant and exciting cultural festivals in St. Kitts. With roots in the 1950s, Sugar Mas is a celebration of life with colorful parades, calypso and soca competitions, parties, concerts and more. The festival is a combination of Christmas traditions and African culture, but its name is a nod to the island’s sugar cane industry, which was once a major source of economic income.
4. Nevis Mango Festival
date: Usually held in July
explanation: The Nevis Mango Festival is a delicious festival celebrating the island’s most loved fruit, mangoes. This festival showcases the talent of chefs and mixologists and their ability to utilize more than 40 different mango flavors. A variety of events will be held, including mango tasting, live music and performances, chef masterclasses, and mango eating competitions.
5. Nevis Marathon and Running Festival
date: Usually held in September
explanation: The Nevis Marathon and Running Festival is an unforgettable running experience for runners of all skill levels. The festival features four races: full marathon (26.2 miles), half marathon (13.1 miles), 10K (6.1 miles), and 5K (3.1 miles). The course takes in many of Nevis’ most beautiful points and is one of the most breathtaking runs in the world.
6. Black Mountain Bangarang
date: Various
explanation: Black Mountain Bangarang Festival is a community festival hosted by SPIRIT, an organization leading change in the community. The festival pays homage to the black sand beach at Belle Tete in the Sandy Point area. It is a family-oriented event that includes various events such as picnics and outdoor performances.
7. Green Valley Festival
date: May or June
explanation: Green Valley Festival is a colorful community festival that aims to celebrate and sustain the culture of St. Kitts and Nevis. The Green Valley Festival is held in Cayon, Saint Kitts and hosts several community events. Examples include gospel concerts, car and bicycle shows, beauty pageants, parades, and j’ouvert.
To learn more about festivals in St. Kitts and Nevis, visit the following links:
