St. Vincent Carnival (Vincy Mas)

July 03rd to July 10th, 2024.

St. Vincent Carnival is an enormous celebration of music, dance, and artistic expression. Spanning a period of two months, the people of St. Vincent, affectionately known as Vincies, shed their inhibitions and revel in a unique escape from the everyday stresses of life. Referred to as “Vincy Mas,” this carnival extravaganza encompasses a diverse range of events, including the “Miss SVG” Competition, the Parade of the Bands, the Calypso Monarch competition, the King and Queen of Carnival Competition, and a multitude of private fetes. It’s a sensory delight that captivates the eyes, ears, heart, and soul. This annual summer festival reaches its zenith in the final weeks of June through early July.

Before 1977, Vincy Mas was, in fact, a pre-Lenten carnival. The term “carnival” finds its origins in the Latin words ‘carne vale,’ which signify the removal of meat. The historical roots of this festival can be traced back to the Roman Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat, alcohol, and other worldly pleasures for 40 days leading up to Easter. Carnival, therefore, provided the last opportunity to indulge in these desires before the solemn period of Lent commenced.

In its early days, Vincy Mas was primarily observed by European settlers and comprised mostly of private parties and exclusive balls held within people’s homes. However, as the eighteenth century unfolded, the customs and traditions associated with the festival began to evolve, incorporating elements from African customs rooted in African religions, which had been introduced to the island by freed slaves.

Tour Outline

  • Day 1: Arrival St. Vincent – Meet And Greet
  • Day 2: Land And Sea Tour – Fete #1: Pumpin
  • Day 3: Fete #2: Crush – Fete #3 Happy Mess Colour Fete
  • Day 4: Fete #4: Brunch And Soca – Fete #5: Soca Monarch
  • Day 5: Fete #6: Wett Republic
  • Day 6: Am Jamboree – Tee Shirt Mas
  • Day 7: Carnival Street Parade Day 2 (Full Costume)
  • Day 8: Departure

What’s Included

  • All activities mentioned on the itinerary inclusive of all tickets and entrance fees.
  • Hand-picked accommodations.
  • Group transportation.
  • Arrival airport transfer.
  • Accommodation in double rooms. Single occupancy option is available.
  • Backline Carnival Costume (you have the choice to upgrade to a frontline costume).
  • Costume pickup.
  • Photography.

St. Vincent Carnival (Vincy Mas) Group Itinerary

Wednesday July 03: Arrive in St. Vincent – Meet and Greet

Arrive in St. Vincent and transfer to your chosen accommodation. Depending on your arrival time, you will then be taken immediately afterwards to Soca Islands Meet and Greet event. This is the perfect opportunity to mingle and get to know your fellow travellers who will be partying with you for the next seven days.

Thursday July 04: Land and Sea Tour – Pumpin Fete

In the daytime, we embark on a picturesque boat journey through the turquoise waters encircling St. Vincent Cays, making stops along the way for lunch and exploration at the Tobago Cay Marine Park. As the afternoon unfolds, we explore some of St. Vincent’s prominent attractions. In the evening, our destination is the Pumpin All-Inclusive Fete for a night of lively festivities.

Friday July 05: Crush – Happy Mess Colour Fete

The morning is yours to enjoy as you please. In the afternoon, we’ll venture out to St Vincent’s Sexiest Party – Skinny Flabulous and Problem Child’s Crush. Later in the evening, prepare for an abundance of powder, paint, and an endless cascade of joyful chaos. Get ready for Happymess galore.

Saturday July 06: Brunch and Soca – Soca Monarch

Today’s schedule is packed with two consecutive events. Our first stop is the Brunch and Soca – an All-Inclusive Brunch Experience and Fete. Following this lively affair, we’ll head to the finals of the island’s Soca Monarch competition. Here, the top Soca artists in St. Vincent will compete for the ultimate prize and, of course, the well-deserved bragging rights.

Sunday July 07: Wett Republic

Today, we’re heading to an spic beach party. Ladies, bring out your resort wear, as we join the Republic. Prepare for a day filled with sun, sand, and fantastic vibes as we make lasting memories on the beach.

Monday July 08: AM Jamboree – Tee Shirt Mas

We’re kicking off our morning bright and early today to join the AM Jamboree Breakfast Party – a fantastic event featuring drinks, delicious food and other treats. Later in the afternoon, we’re hitting the streets of Kingstown for day one of the Carnival Street parade with our tee-shirt mas crew..

Tuesday July 09: Carnival Tuesday (full costume)

All year long, we’ve been anticipating this moment, and now it’s time to hit the road and cross the stage. Today, we’ll be parading through the streets of Kingstown, the vibrant capital city of St. Vincent, showcasing our costumes. Today also marks the end of the two-day festivities.

Wednesday July 10: St. Vincent Departure

Savour your last morning in St. Vincent. Depending on your departure time, you might have a few hours for some last-minute shopping or a final dip in the sea. Bid farewell to the island as you head to the airport for your departure.

St. Vincent Carnival (Vincy Mas) payment plan.

Initial Deposit: 15%
Final Payment due on or before May 03, 2024

Soca Islands provides you with the most flexible payment plan making it super easy and affordable to book your St. Vincent Carnival experience by asking for payments in three installments. Your 15% deposit is due upon booking, followed by 35% of the total cost due 30 days after booking. The remaining 50% is due 60 days before your trip.

For bookings made between 90 and 60 days before the start date of the experience, 50% of the total cost of the experience must be paid upon booking.

Bookings made between 60 days and 30 days before the start date of the experience, 100% of the total cost of the experience must be paid upon booking.

Accommodations

Here’s a glimpse of the hotels we selected for this adventure.

Beachcombers Hotel

Nestled with a serene view of the Caribbean Sea, this laid-back hotel is situated 8 km from Botanic Gardens St. Vincent, 1 km from Fort Charlotte, and 3 km from E.T. Joshua Airport. The unassuming rooms provide either garden or sea views, featuring amenities such as satellite TVs, fans, and en suite bathrooms. Some rooms come equipped with mini fridges, safes, and/or cozy sitting areas, complemented by access to a shared terrace. For a more refined experience, suites offer additional comforts like kitchenettes, private balconies, whirlpool tubs, dining areas, and/or elegant 4-poster beds.

Blue Lagoon Hotel & Marina

Welcome to the Blue Lagoon Hotel, your foremost boutique retreat, delivering unmatched 5-star service enriched with the genuine warmth of Vincentian hospitality. Immerse yourself in a sanctuary of serenity, where the turquoise waters of the Blue Lagoon converge with the silky sands of St. Vincent’s shoreline. Our hotel, thoughtfully named after this captivating natural marvel, offers an extraordinary experience that transcends the commonplace.

Myah’s Hotel

Located in Brighton Village, just 1.9 km from Brighton Beach, Myah’s Hotel offers accommodations that include an outdoor swimming pool, complimentary private parking, a fitness center, and a garden. Guests can enjoy room service, a 24-hour front desk, and currency exchange services during their stay.

St. Vincent travel information.

Capital: Kingstown
Time Zone: GMT -04:00
Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar, 1.00 USD = 2.72 XCD
Driving: On the left
Electricity: 110V and 220V

St. Vincent is a paradise that appeals to nature enthusiasts, scuba diving aficionados, and avid hikers alike. Whether you prefer the ease of a scenic bus tour or the thrill of conquering the La Soufriere volcano summit, this world-class island destination offers an array of fantastic activities for everyone. Explore lush tropical gardens, embark on bird-watching adventures, catch an exciting cricket match, and, for some added fun, channel your inner pirate straight out of Pirates of The Caribbean. The possibilities for enjoyment are boundless!

St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a land blessed with pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, dense rainforests, and towering mountains, offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Caribbean. Coupled with its rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and an abundance of outdoor activities, it stands as an ideal holiday destination.

When it comes to navigating St. Vincent and the Grenadines

  • Taxi: The most convenient mode of transportation is by taxi, readily available on St. Vincent and the larger islands like Bequia, Mustique, and Union Islands. While the government sets taxi rates, taxis typically don’t have meters, so it’s advisable to agree on the fare with the driver before embarking on your journey.
  • Car Rental: Rental cars are an option on St. Vincent, but it’s important to note that the roads can be quite challenging to navigate due to their narrowness and occasional potholes. Additionally, driving is on the left side of the road.
  • Public Transport: Public transport primarily consists of minibusses and vans. Hailing a bus is similar to flagging down a taxi, and drivers will let you know if their route aligns with your destination. Bus rides are cost-effective, but keep in mind that they can be crowded and slow, as they serve as the primary mode of transportation for locals.
  • Ferry: Several ferry companies provide daily services connecting the islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Ferry schedules and routes can vary depending on the season, so it’s essential to check with the ferry company for the most up-to-date information before planning your island-hopping adventures.

What to Do and See in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Vincent  is often described as the quintessential Caribbean destination. This archipelago boasts a total of 32 islands and stands as the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. Its landscape is a vibrant tapestry of lush mountains and pristine, crystal-clear beaches.

The options for aquatic adventure are abundant, including activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and the chance to explore untouched coral reefs. If you’re so inclined, you can also set sail on the turquoise waters or embark on a challenging hike up a 4,000-foot volcano. While many visitors come simply to bask in the sun and soak in the sea, those who time their visit with the carnival season are in for a wild and exhilarating experience.

Where to Stay in St Vincent and the Grenadines
St. Vincent boasts a selection of incredibly opulent resorts, with many of them situated on private islands adjacent to the main island. These exquisite retreats include destinations like Petit St. Vincent, Palm Island, and Young Island. Among them, the most exclusive is the Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, a favored destination even for royals like Kate and William, attesting to its unparalleled luxury.

For those seeking more budget-friendly yet delightful lodgings, numerous options are available. If you wish to be closer to the carnival action, consider choosing village-style accommodations in the capital of Port Elizabeth. This location provides convenient access to beautiful beaches, charming restaurants, and vibrant bars, all while allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture and lifestyle.