Your Ultimate Guide to St. Lucia Carnival Prep: Everything You Need to Know Before Hitting the Road
- Zoe J Felix
- Apr 14
- 5 min read
St. Lucia Carnival isn’t just a trip, it’s a whole experience — from the moment you start planning to the minute you step on the road in full costume, glittered up and vibing to the sounds of soca. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned masquerader, this guide will help you prepare smartly and make the most out of your time in the beautiful island of St. Lucia.
Where to Stay in St. Lucia
St. Lucia has a mix of hotels, guesthouses, and Airbnb-style accommodations. For carnival, most masqueraders choose to stay in or near Castries (where the main events go down) or Rodney Bay (great food, nightlife, and beaches). Book early, because spots fill up quickly once bands launch and fetes get announced.
Pro Tip: If you're rolling with a group, renting a villa or large Airbnb can be more cost-effective than hotel rooms — and gives you space to get ready together.
Helpful Link: Booking.com - St. Lucia | Airbnb - St. Lucia
Some regions to look at if you're looking for an Airbnb: Sunny Acres, Carielle, Barbonneau, San Souci, Marigot Bay, Corinth, Grand Riviere, Bois d'Orange, Marigule, Reduit, Rodney Bay, Rodney Heights, Beause Jour, Gros Islet Town, Cas En Bas, and Cap Estate (Must have a driver)
Fetes to Attend + Personal Ratings (COMING SOON)
Stay tuned for my full fete lineup and personal reviews — I’ll be breaking down which events are worth the hype, what to wear, and how to survive the non-stop partying!
Flights + When to Book
Start looking for flights 3 to 5 months in advance, especially if you want a good deal or are flying from a major city. Aim to arrive a few days before Carnival Monday and leave the day after Carnival Tuesday to get the full experience.
Suggested Booking Timeframe: Book by March or early April for July travel. Honestly if you could book it the year prior, like as soon as the flights are out for the year, it is even better. Try to avoid the last minute flight bookings
Helpful Link: Google Flights
Currency Tips: Eastern Caribbean Dollar vs USD
St. Lucia uses the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD).
1 USD = 2.70 XCD (roughly)
US Dollars are accepted at most places, but you may get change back in EC
It's helpful to have small EC bills for street vendors, taxis, and tips
Quick tip, make sure if you plan on using USD, make sure the money is not ripped or too dingy because they will not accept it being that the US dollar is not their currency so be mindful when storing your money in your wallet
Budgeting Tip: Carnival isn’t cheap, so plan early! Here’s a rough breakdown to help you:
Flights: $400 - $800 USD (varies by location)
Accommodation: $400 - $1000 USD for a week
Costume: $500 - $1500 USD
Tuesday wear: $150 - $250 USD, you can wear whatever you want on Tuesday, some mas bands nowadays even give you Tuesdaywear, but if they don't you can wear your mas costume without the feathers and extra pieces or even wear a monokini. Do what you want. Tuesday is all about zess and having fun
Fetes: $50 - $150 USD per fete (depending on the type)
Food + Extras: $150 - $300 USD
Excursions: (If you want to enjoy things on the island and not just carnival): $175- $400 USD
Carnival Bands in St. Lucia
There are several bands to choose from, each offering different vibes, customer service, and costume styles. Popular ones include:
Xuvo — High energy, modern designs, and known for a good road experience
Just 4 Fun — One of the largest bands with a strong following, they have been around for years
Legends Carnival Band — Known for premium vibes and unique aesthetics
Fuzion Mas — Modern designs, high energy, mix crowd, also known for good road experiences
Red Unlimited — Good mix of vibes and price points
Tribe of Twell — Good vibes for the older crowd that wants to play mas
Helpful Tip: Pick your band based on costume styles, reputation, and what kind of road experience you’re looking for.
Essential Travel Items
Portable fan or hand fan
Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
Sunscreen (it’s HOT!)
Comfortable road shoes or boots
Waterproof pouch for your phone
Travel-size beauty items (lash glue, deodorant, etc.)
Emergency kit (bandaids, painkillers, wipes, etc.)
Do's and Don'ts of Carnival in St. Lucia
DO:
Learn some Lucian slang (see below!)
Be respectful of the culture and locals
Stay hydrated and take breaks during the road march
Keep your phone/cash secure in a waterproof pouch
Eat and rest when you can — the turn-up is real!
DON'T:
Wait too long to book things
Leave your group without a plan
Disrespect other masqueraders
Forget your ID when collecting costumes or entering events
Rely solely on Wi-Fi — grab a local SIM or eSIM for easier navigation, if you can purchase a cheap phone and use that
Booking Makeup + Photography in Advance
Makeup artists and photographers get BOOKED OUT early! Start reaching out by April or May to secure your slot. Look on Instagram using hashtags like #StLuciaMUA or #LucianPhotographer to find local talent.
Have a mood board ready and confirm location/times for glam appointments. If you’re hiring a photographer for the road, coordinate with your band and ask if they have partnerships too. Last year I booked Carnival Glam Hub, it is on the pricier side but you can choose your packages. They take care of hair, makeup, and photography needs. The good thing is where it is held the Mas bands typically pass there so if you want to hop in with your band when they pass through after you're glammed up you can do that. Ladies do not feel obligated to get your makeup done the Tuesday because Tuesday is when you really let your hair down and have FUN. You can just focus on the Monday and do something light on the Tuesday.
Learn Some Lucian Slang
Want to blend in and catch the vibes? Here are a few words to know:
"Woiii" – an expression of excitement or shock
"Mash up" – tired, exhausted (you will feel this after the road)
"Zot en mên?" – Are you serious?
"Lime" – to chill or hang out
"Fete" – party
Learn the Music Before You Come
St. Lucian and regional soca music is the heart of carnival. Don’t wait until you get there — start building your playlist now! Some artists to check out:
Teddyson John — smooth Groovy Soca with a Lucian soul
Freezy — creator of the hit “Split In Di Middle”
Motto — known for his Dennery Segment bangers
Umpa — He's my favorite Dennery Segment Artists
What’s Dennery Segment? Dennery Segment is a sub-genre of Lucian music that blends Afro-Caribbean beats with hard-hitting bass and local Creole lyrics. It’s raw, sexy, and made to move your waistline. If groovy soca is for swaying, Dennery Segment is for wining down low. You’ll definitely hear it at fetes like Soakt and on the road, so get familiar early!
Playlist Suggestion: Lucian Carnival Vibes – Spotify
Carnival is more than a party — it’s a celebration of culture, joy, and being your boldest self. With the right prep, you can truly soak it all in and make memories that last forever. Stay tuned for my next posts in this series, and if you’re coming to St. Lucia this year... see you on the road!
Alright now besties until next time,
xoxoxo Twiggy
