The vibrant streets of Castries came alive on December 12th as Saint Lucia witnessed two significant events converging on the eve of National Day celebrations. The capital city experienced unprecedented activity with both the annual Festival of Lights procession and the swearing-in ceremony of a new ministerial Cabinet drawing massive crowds.
By mid-afternoon, vehicular movement had slowed to a crawl as commuters navigated through congested thoroughfares, marking what locals consider the unofficial commencement of Christmas festivities. The Cultural Development Foundation orchestrated a spectacular parade featuring elaborately handcrafted lanterns that originated from Vigie playing field and progressed toward the city center.
The procession showcased Saint Lucian cultural heritage through multiple artistic expressions: traditional masqueraders, papa jab characters, folk dancers, and stilt walkers accompanied by the rhythmic performances of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Band, drummers, and steelpan artists. A convoy of ornately decorated motorcycles and vehicles added contemporary flair to the traditional celebration, creating a multidimensional visual spectacle.
As the parade reached William Peter Boulevard, thousands of spectators lining the streets witnessed the event’s first climactic moment. The focus subsequently shifted to Derek Walcott Square for the official inauguration ceremony of the Festival of Lights, featuring musical performances by the Barclays Choir of Barbados alongside cultural presentations by group Woule’ Te’ Te’ and artists Diana Phillip, Gersham, and TC Brown.
Simultaneously, the cultural capital of Belle Vue hosted its own parallel celebrations, complete with Christmas hat-decorating competitions and performances by the Metaphorical Dancers. Community organizer Kendal Elva emphasized how these celebrations fostered communal unity and embodied the authentic spirit of the holiday season.