For activities click on any of the links at the top of this page. For dates and general information on national events please refer to the events calendar below:

Events Calendar

January

Food and Rum Festival (15-18) The ‘Food & Rum Festival’ is an event to attract the best chefs, wine connoisseurs, rum fanatics and food critiques from not only across the Caribbean but internationally. This festival is used to promote Caribbean rums, restaurants, chefs, and regionally manufactured food and drink products to a regional and international audience, the festival will be a fun-packed weekend of food demonstrations from internationally renowned chefs as well some of St Lucia’s finest chefs rum tasting, wine tasting, gastronomic dinners at five star restaurants.

February

Independence Day  On this day St Lucia celebrates her status as a country independent from Britain since 1979. Special events in recognition of this day are the norm.

 

April

Earth Day (22nd) - Sunrise and Sunset ceremonies are held all over the island to celebrate this day. The Pigeon Island National Landmark, and the southern town of Vieux Fort are the venues for major events that commemorate Earth Day, the day when more than usual themes highlighting the necessity for preservation of nature are discussed.

May

Festival of Comedy - Designed to raise funds for the St Lucia National Trust, this annual event showcases local and regional talent over a period of two days at the St Lucia Cultural Centre as well as a family day at the Pigeon Island National Landmark.

 

St Lucia Jazz Festival  The jazz festival has been and continues to be one of the most exciting and well-organized shows in the Caribbean region. A must for jazz fanatics, this week long spectacle involves a variety of shows at different venues on the island. The Jazz festival dates normally fall within the first 2 weeks of May, lasting for a minimum of 10 days.

July

Carnival Experience our carnival. With costumed bands parading through the streets, various competitions like Soca and Calypso Monarch, King and Queen of the band, Miss Carnival Queen and Panorama, there is plenty to do in a lively party atmosphere.

Kids Safari Summer (TBA) - Children between the ages of 9-14 are invited to explore the island during the summer months in order to learn about its valuable ecosystems and other places of interest. A well-rounded curriculum includes arts and crafts and learning about local folk and other traditions.

August

Emancipation Day/ National Heroes Day (7th) - This celebration has a dual purpose, to celebrate not only the abolition of slavery, but also the achievements of outstanding St. Lucians. Now an official national holiday, more cultural events are being organized to mark the occasion.

 

La Rose Festival  Uniquely St. Lucian, this annual floral festival is rooted in the rural communities. Various La Rose Groups celebrate it with performances at the National Cultural Centre.

 

Market Feast (7th) - The Castries Central Market becomes a hub of activity with food, drink, music and people who come out to enjoy this feast.

September

St. Lucia Bill Fishing Tournament (TBA) - A three day fishing competition that attracts region wide participation for the many encouragements offered to whoever manages to catch a 1000lb Blue Marlin. Stiff penalties are imposed on those who catch fish weighing less than 250lbs and do not tag and release them.

La Marguerite Festival - Part of Creole Heritage Month, this floral festival is similar to the Festival of La Rose and is usually celebrated with a traditional lunch and cultural performances.

October

Creole Heritage Month - A celebration of things St. Lucian. The Folk Research Centre organizes various events to promote and recognize our culture. These include theatre productions, the election of a Creole Queen and the Babonneau Community Festival.

International Creole Day ends this month with festivities held in 3 different parts of the island, covering both the north and the south. Contact the St Lucia Tourist Board for more information.

Marguerite Festival (17th) - Part of Creole Heritage Month, this floral festival is similar to the Festival of La Rose and is usually celebrated with a special lunch and cultural performances.

November

International Food Fair (7th) - Excite your taste buds with local and international dishes from this fair organized by the St. Lucia Tourist Board. Held at the National Cultural Centre, cuisines from various local ethnicities as well as international foods are presented and may be sampled.

Charity Golf Tournament (27th) - The Rotary Club of Gros Islet hosts its annual golf tournament at the St Lucia Golf and Country Club. All proceeds are donated to all Rotary sponsored charities, all are welcome to register.

Legends Tennis Week (TBA) - This is the highlight of the final week in November. Organized by and held at the St. Lucia Racquet Club, tennis aficionados may not only benefit from clinics held by masters of the game, like Illie Nastasie or Roy Emerson, but at the end of the week, fans can also see the greats in action when they play exhibition matches.

December

Kalalu World Music Festival - Held at Saamans Park at Choc Bay during the first week of December, the Kalalu festival features an authentic line-up of performing artists from the World Music genre. World Music is authentic, ethnic based music with international cross-over appeal.

 

Atlantic Rally For Cruisers (ARC)  The world's largest ocean crossing race, beginning in the Canary Islands, terminates in the St. Lucia Rodney Bay Marina at the start of this month. Many of the yachters stay over until after Christmas so look out for exciting vessels there.

 

St. Lucia Open (1st-7th) - Held at the St. Lucia Racquet Club this is a tennis and squash competition open to anyone who wishes to compete against the best regional and international amateur or club players. It is followed by a tournament restricted to professionals only who compete for prize money.

Festival of Lights Celebrations (12-13)

On the 12-13 of December we celebrate the Festival of Lights. This is when the Christmas tree lights are turned on and the whole of Castries is filled with beautiful and colourful lights…It’s a great experience when we all come together to enjoy the evening’s entertainment finalising in a spectacular firework display at mid-night. The Festival of Light takes place at the Derrick Walcott Square in the city of Castries.