BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – WITH the curtains now drawn on the 2024/2025 National Carnival, officials from the National Carnival Committee (NCC) are celebrating the event as a resounding success, citing high turnouts and positive feedback from participants and spectators.
Starting in November with pre-season events, the Carnival’s activities officially launched in December and saw significantly higher attendance than in previous years. This is a promising sign for the NCC as they look ahead to future celebrations.
Director of the National Carnival, Clement O’Garro, praised the festival's achievements. “I think that it was an awesome Carnival. Probably one of the best, if not the best,,” O’Garro told SKNVibes Entertainment.
O’Garro attributed this success to large crowds at various shows and participation in road activities such as J’ouvert, Parade Day, and Last Lap. He highlighted that more than 5,000 revelers joined the adult street festivities. “I think it was a sure success, and we’re definitely looking forward to building on that for Sugarmas 54,” he said.
Shannon Hawley, Chairperson of the NCC, shared similar sentiments, noting that reports described Sugarmas 53 as a “resounding success.” During a presentation of the Grand Parade results on ZIZ Radio, Hawley outlined the reasons for this acclaim.
“...sold-out shows in Carnival Village, the home of Carnival that we moved back to with a temporary expansion, from our street activities...in addition to our grand parade like yesterday, was a massive success”,” she said. Feedback poured in from spectators, online viewers, returning nationals, and regional visitors who came specifically for the Carnival.
“We have no doubt that this Sugarmas 53 was a tremendous success," Howley continued. "And it could not be successful without all of the efforts and dedication from the executive team of volunteers to all of our carnival stakeholders that have been involved over the past two months and more behind the scenes in the preparation of the production of the carnival events that we have had over the past six weeks. We started our planning earlier this year because essentially we roll from one carnival to the next."
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Terrance Drew added to the reviews, noting on social media that several of the big hotels reported a 90% occupancy rate during the Carnival period.
O'garro emphasized the international appeal of the festival, citing the participation of the mas band Luxe, which attracted 60% of its revelers from overseas. he noted that those persons were not just returning nationals but individuals from a diverse backgrounds who engaged with Luxe internationally, underscoring the growing appeal of the Carnival product.
While official statistics are still pending, the influx of patrons and visitors to St. Kitts may have surpassed expectations. Looking ahead, the NCC plans to build on this momentum for Sugarmass 54 by launching Carnival promotions earlier.
