The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) unveiled the Lucian Carnival 2026 on the global stage during Miami’s Carnival celebrations last week. Held in Miami, Florida, the event marked a strategic effort to elevate the Lucian Carnival brand by showcasing the vibrant Dennery Segment, a musical genre deeply rooted in Saint Lucian culture. The genre, characterized by its fusion of English and Kwéyòl lyrics, has become synonymous with the island’s Carnival energy and cultural identity.
Three renowned Dennery Segment artists—DJ Sir Lancealot, Umpa, Blackboy, and Mighty—delivered electrifying performances that captivated the audience. Lancealot, credited with coining the term Dennery Segment, alongside Umpa, Blackboy, and Mighty, brought the infectious rhythms of Saint Lucia to life. Their performances not only thrilled the crowd but also highlighted the genre’s growing influence on regional and international Carnival scenes.
Geraine Georges, SLTA’s public relations manager, emphasized the strategic shift in promoting Lucian Carnival through its authentic music. “We recognize how the music has grown and how it excites regional and international carnivals,” Georges told St. Lucia Times. “What better way to showcase Lucian Carnival, which has grown tremendously, than through music that is authentically Saint Lucian?”
The event, attended by travel partners, media, and influencers, also featured Saint Lucian dancers demonstrating signature moves to the pulsating beats. The celebration continued at No Borders, an event showcasing Caribbean Soca artists, further amplifying the island’s cultural presence.
The culmination of Saint Lucia’s Miami Carnival participation was the Parade of Bands and mega concert on October 12 at the Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds. Umpa, Mighty, and Blackboy, backed by Lancealot and supported by Barry Hype, set the stage ablaze, with Saint Lucians in the crowd cheering passionately. Saint Lucia’s 2024 Groovy Monarch Nerdy and Arthur Allain, both veterans of past Lucian Carnival launches, also performed, adding to the event’s grandeur.
Brand Saint Lucia and Lucian Carnival were prominently featured on Revel Nation’s truck during the parade, further solidifying the island’s presence. The SLTA team, including Consul General Darrel Montrope and Director of Global Marketing Dexter Percil, fielded numerous inquiries about Saint Lucia and its Carnival, which were met with widespread recognition and enthusiasm.
Carnival enthusiasts from around the world expressed their admiration for Lucian Carnival, with many pledging to attend or return in the future. The event not only celebrated Saint Lucian culture but also positioned Lucian Carnival as a must-experience global phenomenon.