The 2025 Lucian Junior Carnival was officially launched this morning, with organizers emphasizing the importance of youth involvement in preserving and sustaining Saint Lucia’s rich cultural heritage. The event was attended by key stakeholders in the cultural and tourism sectors, including Chairperson of the Saint Lucia Carnival Planning and Management Committee, Tamara Gibson, and Minister for Tourism and Culture, Dr. Ernest Hilaire.
Speaking at the launch, Gibson underscored the unique role that Junior Carnival plays in setting Saint Lucia’s celebration apart from other regional festivals. “It has really helped us sell and make Saint Lucian Carnival as special and unique as it is,” she said. “It sets us apart from all the other festivals in the region.”
Gibson highlighted the committee’s ongoing efforts to introduce young people to the core elements of Carnival, not just as revelers, but as future custodians of the art form. “We thought it was important that we introduce our youth to that element of the competition to ensure that there are persons who can take the competition on for years to come,” she explained. “It’s really about preparing them and ensuring the sustainability of our culture.”
In keeping with the theme of cultural preservation, Gibson emphasized the importance of exposing young Saint Lucians to the history, significance, and authenticity of Carnival. “It’s important that our youth understand that, and the only way they can appreciate it is if they take part in it. If they’re exposed to it,” she said. “Only the youth can secure this for us. If they do not understand why we do this and why it is important to keep the authenticity, then we’re not going anywhere.”
Tourism and Culture Minister Dr. Ernest Hilaire echoed this sentiment, noting that early projections suggest this year’s Junior Carnival could be the biggest yet in terms of participation and growth. “From all projections, it will probably be our biggest yet,” Hilaire said. “Each year, you must ask yourself, how can you be better than last year? What new will you add to make sure that the vibe is there?”
Dr. Hilaire also praised new initiatives introduced in recent years, such as the school tour and the inclusion of soca music in schools, which he said help to reinforce responsible behavior and cultural preservation among the youth. “The school tour is a really exciting addition and something which is necessary if we speak about sustainability and cultural preservation,” he noted. “This year, the introduction of the soca to the schools is also very exciting.”
In his remarks, Dr. Hilaire announced plans to increase both financial and logistical support to junior carnival bands. “We want to be able to give the junior bands more support in terms of more cash and logistical support,” he said, adding that ongoing discussions with Gibson will shape how these enhancements are rolled out.
With this year’s launch, organizers reaffirm their commitment to building a culturally grounded, youth-focused Carnival that can stand the test of time. As Gibson put it, “This is the only way that we can ensure that our culture is preserved and that our children will inherit something truly meaningful in the next 20 to 30 years.”
