Guide to Festivals in St Lucia

Dance under the stars, devour Caribbean cuisine and celebrate the very best of island culture with our guide to St Lucia’s festivals.

 With a rich heritage and a vibrant culture, this Caribbean island’s festivals serve up live music, delicious street food and a party atmosphere. The events below run throughout the year, making it easy to enjoy at least one on your holiday to St Lucia.

 We’ve listed some of the most anticipated festivals in St Lucia so you can start planning your holiday itinerary.

Festivals in St Lucia

  • Saint Lucia Jazz
  • Saint Lucia Carnival
  • Mercury Fest
  • Roots and Soul
  • Creole Day Festival
  • Saint Lucia Food and Rum Festival
  • Wellness Music Festival

 

Saint Lucia Jazz Festival

When: May 2021

Where: Multiple venues

The annual Saint Lucia Jazz Festival fills the Caribbean island with the sounds of saxophones, trumpets and bass guitars played by renowned musicians.

Past line-ups have included R&B and jazz artist Ledisi, trumpeter Etienne Charles, and six-time Grammy-winner bassist Christian McBride.

The festival’s produced in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center – a hub for concerts, educational programmes and events – and takes place over multiple days. It’s hosted in venues across the island, giving you plenty of opportunities to boogie along to the music.

Fishermen's Feast (Fête Pêche)

When: June 28th 2021

Where: Across St Lucia 

On the last Sunday of June, St Lucia's fishermen celebrate this annual festival which could be likened to Thanksgiving in the US. 

Fishermen view this festival as one of the most important in their calendar, as they use it as an opportunity to give thanks for another year of prosperity and great catches. Expect incredible food at communal lunches, seeing locals dressed in their best clothes to attend church services and fishing boats being blessed across the coast to celebrate this festival. 

Saint Lucia Carnival

When: June and July 2021

Where: Pigeon Point and other venues

The island’s most celebrated event, the annual Saint Lucia Carnival, is a month-long festival of colour, culture and creativity.

The carnival’s jam-packed schedule includes J'ouvert street parties, boat rides, concerts and more, culminating in a two-day parade. Live bands and DJs provide the soundtrack, while locals and costumed dancers move to the music in a celebration of Caribbean culture.

Mercury Fest

When: Summer 2021

Where: Pigeon Island Beach

Hailed as one of the Caribbean’s best beach parties, Mercury Fest is a true summer highlight.

It’s a party in paradise, attracting French-Caribbean nationals and hundreds of boats from neighbouring Martinique, Guadalupe, St Vincent, Barbados and Trinidad. Expect to dance to the best local and French DJs along with other impressive acts, drink thirst-quenching cocktails, and eat the freshest food. 

Roots & Soul 

When: August 2021

Where: Pigeon Island

The three-day Roots & Soul festival welcomes celebrated reggae, R&B, hip-hop and soul artists to St Lucia.

The main stage is on Pigeon Island, and previous acts include UB40, Leee John, Mya and Ginuwine. Keep an eye on the official St Lucia website to find out what acts will be performing this year.

Some of these live performances are completely free to watch, while others require a fee and need to be booked in advance.

Creole Heritage Month

When: October 2021

Where: Across St Lucia

Discover St Lucia’s rich cultural, ethnic and artistic heritage during this month-long festival filled with art, music, cuisine and more. Four communities or towns are chosen each year to host the celebrations, so be sure to look out for details of these closer to the time. 

Expect to see colourful madras cloth worn by the locals and used in decor across the island, enjoy storytelling dances and shows taking place in community spaces and sample authentic Creole food in many resorts and restaurants throughout the month of festivities. 

The festival culminates on the last Sunday of October with Jounen Kwéyòl – a day that celebrates the island’s heritage. Make sure you stop by to sample some of traditional St Lucian cuisine on offer and dance the night away in the parade.

 It’s a great opportunity to learn more about St Lucia’s history while having plenty of fun.

Saint Lucia Food & Rum Festival

When: September 2021

Where: Across St Lucia                  

 A festival that packs a punch, the three-day Saint Lucia Food and Run Festival showcases the very best of Saint Lucia’s culinary and rum heritage.

 A number of award-winning chefs create dishes inspired by the island’s unique cuisine, derived from the flavours of French, British, African and Indian cooking.

Wellness Music Festival

When: September 2021

Where: Pigeon Island

Feed your mind, body and soul at the Wellness Music Festival which brings together - you guessed it - wellness and music!

Kicking off at the BodyHoliday - one of the world’s leading wellness resorts - this environmentally conscious festival will play host to a number of holistic practitioners, nutritionists, yoga teachers and more, all of whom are keen to share their secrets to help you live a more healthy life.

Music is, of course, another element to this festival and a mix of international, regional and local musicians, all of whom are advocates for a wellness-focused lifestyle, are set to take to the stage.

Festival of Lights 

When: December 13th 2021

Where: Across St Lucia 

This festival is one you won't forget as crowds gather across St Lucia to triumph light over darkness with a stunning display of lanterns and fireworks. A spectacular lantern competition takes place in the first week of December followed by a parade on the 12th, which doubles up as a festive celebration and Christmas show.  

Those who visit to see this festival won't forget being surrounded by the stunning lit-up displays, the lively atmosphere and the incredible St Lucian culture and tradition that is being celebrated. 

There is so much to see and do in St Lucia, we can guarantee you’ll never get bored. Start planning your holiday today with our selection of luxury resorts in St Lucia, handpicked by our travel experts.