St. Kitts ‘Sugar Mas’ Savours Sweet Success

St. Kitts Carnival, famously known as ‘Sugar Mas’, has seen remarkable growth over the past five years, transforming into a powerhouse of cultural celebration and economic impact. Shannon Hawley, Chairperson of the St. Kitts Carnival Committee, shared her insights with St. Lucia Times on Wednesday, day one of the vibrant parade of the bands. “Sugar Mas has grown leaps and bounds over the last five years under my leadership,” Hawley stated. “We have seen an influx annually of returning nationals and other carnival lovers, and that is the mandate of the Carnival Committee. Every year, we see it growing more and more, and we absolutely love it.” On January 1st, 2025, the streets of St. Kitts burst to life with the start of the island’s two-day parade of the bands. Thousands of revellers adorned in vivid costumes flooded the city streets, performing for an equally large audience of spectators. Sugar Mas spectators Families gathered to enjoy not only the kaleidoscope of colors but also the rich cultural heritage showcased by traditional folklore characters such as the Moko Jumbies, Clowns, Masqueraders, stilt walkers, and mummies. Hawley emphasized the cultural and economic significance of Sugar Mas, which stands as the largest event...