Carnival’s 2024 performance is expected to surpass 2023

The 2024 Carnival is expected to surpass last year’s success, attracting more tourists to the island and more Carnival bands. Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) Chairperson Tamara Gibson is optimistic about the upcoming event.

“We’re expecting very strong attendance numbers in 2024 … and we really want to capitalize on that,” Tamara Gibson, chairwoman of the Carnival Planning and Management Committee, said Thursday evening.

She stressed that the bright colors and dynamic displays of art and culture will attract locals and tourists alike.

“All the bands have seen a huge increase in attendance,” Gibson said, adding that she expects even more visitors this year because bands are fully booked and flights are fully booked.

In response to concerns about costume design, Gibson clarified that CPMC encourages creativity and inclusivity, and designers are free to design costumes that cater to the preferences of different revelers.

“Mardi Gras is about inclusion and it’s for everyone, so at Mardi Gras everyone has their own space or area,” Gibson said.

She added that CPMC would never try to “tell creatives how to create.”

Each band has a unique target market, offering a variety of costume sizes – from full suits to stylish two-piece outfits. While some materials may be imported, local designers still make a significant contribution to the visual feast of Carnival.

Ms Gibson, the daughter of a renowned St Lucia fashion designer, said the public should dispel “false rumours” that the island lacks local fashion designers and that clothing materials are mostly imported from overseas.

“There are quite a few locals who still make costumes for bands,” the chairman said. “Some of the bands’ backpacks are made here. There are also some manufacturers, like Rafferty, who makes swimsuits for quite a few bands, and he’s been doing it for several years.”

She added: “There are a lot of local designers and some bands still make their clothing locally. Some of them might go overseas (to buy) intimates, but a lot of the feather work and framing is still done locally.”

Tamara Gibson also highlighted efforts to get more people involved in costume making. The Carnival Bands Association (CBA) plans to hold workshops for costume designers to ensure the Carnival experience is successful and enriching.

Regarding the funds and resources allocated for this year’s Carnival, the Chairperson said the returns were good and brought in good returns. She said at least 18,000 tourists came to St. Lucia for Carnival last year and the number of tourists is expected to double this year, with many people benefiting from the festival, including hotels, taxi drivers, restaurants, and “everywhere is packed with people.”