Your Ultimate St. Kitts Carnival Planning Guide (Sugar Mas)
Sugar Mas is the annual carnival celebration in St. Kitts and Nevis, a two-island nation in the Caribbean. The name “Sugar Mas” is derived from the country’s history of sugar cane production, which was the main economic activity in the islands for many years.
Sugar Mas is a festive and colourful event that lasts for several weeks starting from late November. Tourist and locals returning back to the island usually visits in mid-December and culminating in early January.
During Sugar Mas, locals and tourists alike enjoy a variety of events and activities, including Calypso and Soca competitions, pageants, street parties, and food fairs. The traditional Masquerade competitions, where participants wear elaborate costumes and masks, are also a highlight of the festivities.
With the grand parade known as J’ouvert (pronounced “joo-vay”).The J’ouvert parade is one of the most popular events of Sugar Mas. It takes place in the early morning hours of Boxing Day (December 26th) and involves participants covered in paint, mud, or powder, dancing through the streets to the sounds of the local bands that run the road.
The Parade of Troupes, which takes place later New Year’s Day and January 2nd, features groups of revellers in colourful costumes dancing and singing through the streets.
Overall, Sugar Mas is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of St. Kitts and Nevis, and a time for locals and visitors to come together in a spirit of fun and camaraderie.
Interested In Sugar Mas Packages in coming St. Kitts With Us?
HOW TO GET TO ST. KITTS & NEVIS?
If you’re flying into St. Kitts, SKB (Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport) which is the main international airport serving the entire island. Other ways of entry is via ferry depending on which island it departs from but majority of people fly into the island of St. Kitts.No matter where you’re coming from you can easily get to St. Kitts.
The following airlines often fly to St. Kitts are:
American Airlines
British Airways
United Airlines
Delta Airlines
Air Canada
Liat
WinAir
Cape Air
VI Airlink
Silver Airway
Koi Resort
WHERE TO STAY FOR SUGAR MAS?
Coming to St. Kitts for Carnival is pretty easy in straight forward. If you want to be near to most of the events it would be ideal to stay in Basseterre or as the locals call it “town”. Many accommodations are available on Airbnb that will allow you to rent entire properties, small apartments, or private rooms starting from $60 a night.
Staying in local areas in St. Kitts are pretty affordable and majoirty of the areas on the island are safe to stay in. If you prefer hotels St. Kitts does have many hotel options to choose from. The following hotels we recommend when visiting the island are:
Koi Resort
Ocean Terrace Inn
St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino
Timothy Beach Hotel
Royal St. Kitts Hotel
Sugar Bay Club Suites & Hotel
Bird Rock Beach Hotel
Park Hyatt St. Kitts
Depending on when you book hotel can range from $150-$300 a night.
Ultra Carnival
WHICH BANDS TO PLAY MAS WITH?
Luckily for you they’re many bands to choose from. Here are the bands that you can play mas with that we recommend in terms of quality and vibes on the road. You can keep up with launches and events bands and instagram, twitter, facebook, tik tok etc.
Luxe
Ultra
Majesty
Fhunn Vybz St.Kitts
WHICH EVENTS AND FETES (PARTIES) TO ATTEND?
One thing about Sugar Mas is that you will have a blast at all the parties and events there is something for everybody to enjoy. Depending on what day you plan to arrive there will be an event going on. Below I will list all the events that will be going on for all the events that I personally recommend attending. Here are the events for Sugar Mas.
December 20th 2024
Pure Bliss
December 21st 2024
Cooler Fete
December 22nd 2024
Boozy Brunch
Shorts & Shades
December 23rd 2024
ASAP Glow Parade
December 24th 2024
Aktivate (By Yours Truly)
December 27th 2024
Sunset
December 28th 2024
Rep Yuh Band
December 29th 2024
Breakfast Party
Anchored
Picnic
January 3rd 2024
Last Jam
Luxe Last Lap
January 4th 2024
Whine & Chill
JOUVERT TROUPES TO PLAY WITH
If its one rule about Sugar Mas, it is to never ever miss Jouvert! Sugar Mas Jouvert is one of the best parts about Sugar Mas and you can catch the entire island in town for Jouvert. St. Kitts (in my opinion) has the best date ever for Jouvert. Jouvert is the day after Christmas (Boxing Day) which a holiday for the island of St.Kitts. I HIGHLY recommend not skipping on playing with a troupe for Jouvert as it is one of the best experiences. Most troupes start at around 2am and touch the road around 4am. Playing with troupes you will get premium drinks, breakfast/lunch, t-shirt and non stop vibes on the road.
Here is a list of the troupes I recommend to play with:
Excess Jouvert
Chattabox Jouvert
Red Devils
Fantasy Troupe
Beach Bum
Grandmasters Troupe
Mas Jumbies
PLACES TO EAT AND LIME?
Now this is a bonus but don’t get it twisted if this is your first time to St.Kitts theres one thing you should know is food cyan done! St. Kitts has restaurants, bars and lounges for you to grab a bite, grabs drinks or all of the above. If you’re visiting St. Kitts for the first time here are the places I recommend you not missing out on!
1. Last Lap Bar
2. KFC (Bird Rick and Town)
3. Uncles T’s
4. Boozies On The Beach
5. Arthur’s Restaurant & Bar
6. Sunshines Restaurant (Nevis)
7. Barry’s Bar and Grill
8. Rituals Sushi
9. Sugar and Spice
10. Blufin (Locally Caught Fish)
11. Spratnet (Locally Caught Fish)
12. Reggae Beach Bar
HOW TO GET AROUND?
Navigating St. Kitts is a breeze, thanks to its compact size and convenient transportation options. Whether you prefer traditional taxis, local buses, or ride-sharing services, getting around the island is a stress-free experience. One of the most reliable and cost-effective options is Audatlyft, a local ride-sharing service that functions like an island-wide “Uber” and operates 24/7. This service offers cashless transactions for added convenience and can be accessed simply by sending a message via WhatsApp to 869 760 3427. With a response time of just 15 minutes, you can easily arrange for a driver to pick you up from your doorstep and take you wherever you need to go. Say goodbye to the hassle of transportation and hello to a smooth, worry-free carnival in St. Kitts.
Visiting Nevis
Nevis, part of the twin-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean, is a serene and picturesque destination known for its lush landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich history. The island is dominated by the towering Nevis Peak and offers a charming blend of colonial architecture, historical sites, and natural beauty. Visitors to Nevis can explore the vibrant capital of Charlestown, visit the birthplace of Alexander Hamilton, and relax on the tranquil Pinney’s Beach.
The island’s laid-back atmosphere and friendly locals make it a perfect getaway for those seeking a peaceful escape. A visit to Nevis wouldn’t be complete without spending time on its stunning beaches, hot springs and stopping by Sunshine’s Bar to try their famous Killer Bee rum punch, a must-have for any traveler.
Traveling from St. Kitts to Nevis offers a couple of options. From the main town of Basseterre in St. Kitts, travellers can take a ferry, which is a longer journey but provides a scenic and leisurely experience. However, many prefer the more convenient and quicker option of a speed boat from Reggae Beach. This route typically takes about 20-30 minutes and costs around $20 for a round trip. The speed boat ride is not only faster but also offers the thrill of cutting through the Caribbean waters, making it the preferred choice for most visitors looking to maximize their time on Nevis.
COME TO SUGAR MAS WITH US
I hope this guide has helped you to prepare for Sugar Mas as ever year is expected to be bigger and better than ever every year! If you’re looking to skip the planning and leave it up to the professionals, we can help. We have many packages available that allows you to worry less while we plan your Sugar Mas experience. Our packages include airport pick up/drop off, costume, jouvert package, fete tickets, transportation for all events and so much more. For more information please see below!
ANDRE LAPEY
Andre Lapsey, co-owner of Bacchanal Chasers, a new modern way of travelling for those who are looking to add adventure to their lives.
Travelling over 45 countries and counting Andre has the knowledge and experience when it comes to having a fantastic travel experience.
Andre has an understanding of clients’ wants and needs and fulfills those to the fullest leaving his clients 100% satisfied and coming back for more adventure.
Andre works one on one with his clients to provide the experience that his clients are looking for and expecting.
Travelling is in the DNA of Andre and is always willing and ready to help those inspiring to travel and try new things in life.
