There’s no time like now to book

January

Did you know Saint Lucia has the most Nobel Laureate’s per capita than anywhere else in the world? To celebrate, Saint Lucia sets aside one week each year to recognise the achievements of our two Nobel Laureates – Sir Arthur Lewis who won the Nobel prize in Economics (1979) and Sir Derek Walcott who won the Nobel Prize in Literature (1992). A series of panel discussions, workshops and exhibitions will take place during the week.

February

On 22nd February, we celebrate our Independence with a host of activities held throughout the island. February is also the month of love, and what better way to celebrate each other than in one of the most romantic places in the world. The iconic Piton mountains, lush rainforests, beautiful palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters and unique accommodation are a match made in heaven. So, it is no wonder Saint Lucia has been awarded the World’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 11 times by the World Travel Awards. Explore more of our romantic experiences here.

March

With the island’s lush interior, it is a natural habitat for a range of wildlife from tree lizards, geckos and iguanas. In fact, one of the world’s rarest lizards (St Lucia Whiptail) can be found on Maria Island. There are also around 170 different bird species and 6 endemic birds on island. There are many great birding sites where these can be spotted.

April

Take to the warm seas and indulge in a variety of water-sports from snorkelling and kayaking to paddle-boarding and hobie-cat sailing. For those seeking a more active and adventurous holiday, Saint Lucia provides the perfect backdrop with its lush rainforests and mountainous terrain. Go jungle-biking through an old sugar plantation. Hike up the Gros Piton Mountain with a friendly, local guide to show you the way. How about zip-lining through the rainforest? Choose from one of our three zip-lining centres across the island. You can also do a Segway tour, go quad-biking and horse-ride along the beach too. Find out more here.

May

From 7th – 10th May, the island will host the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival produced in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Renowned as the premier jazz festival in the Caribbean, the event will feature the finest names in modern jazz performing in intimate venues and public settings along the length and breadth of Saint Lucia’s breathtaking landscape. The festival will include a week of activities, which usually culminates on Mother’s Day.

June

Saint Lucia is blessed with an abundance of natural attractions. The majestic Piton Mountains are truly a sight to behold whether seen from the sea, land or air on a helicopter tour. The island also has the Caribbean’s only drive-in volcano where you can take a short tour to see the bubbling Sulphur Springs and indulge in a mud bath full of minerals and healing properties. You can also explore our beautiful botanical gardens and waterfalls. Admire the bright colours and sweet smells of the tropical flowers on a guided tour where you will also learn more about the medicinal qualities of numerous plants.

July

Each year, Carnival features a variety of competitions including the ever-popular Power and Groovy Monarch, Senior and Junior Panoramas (steel pan competitions) and the Inter-Commercial House Calypso competition, dozens of community events and of course a continuous calendar of parties and fetes. The season culminates in an exciting, fun-filled two-day street parade of live bands and DJ music, stunning carnival costumes and the joyous and energetic revelry typical of Caribbean carnivals. This is a very special celebration of Caribbean history, culture and creativity. Under the leadership of the Cultural Development Foundation and in collaboration with all stakeholders, Saint Lucia Carnival is recognized as one of the top carnivals in the Caribbean and becomes a more vibrant and creative event each year.

Also in the month is Mercury Fest – The Ultimate Beach Party and one of the most anticipated events of the summer. Thousands of people arrive from our sister islands Martinique and Guadeloupe as well as further afield for this 2-day beach party at Pigeon Island National Landmark. Beach, boats, bikinis, floaties and live concerts by international superstars.

August

August is a great time to visit if you are a Chocolate lover as we celebrate Chocolate Heritage Month. Take a tour at one of our cocoa plantation estates where you can even make your own chocolate! Many of our hotels offer various packages including chocolate inspired menus, drinks and spa treatments. This month also features our Roots & Soul Festival with artists setting new trends in reggae, conscious hip-hop, Afro-punk and R&B. 

La Rose Flower Festival is one of two flower festivals – “La Rose” and “La Marguerite” held annually in observance of Saint Lucia’s rich cultural memory, history and heritage. These two flower festivals depict a historical rivalry among communities whose members sing the virtues of their flowers. “La Rose” members pledge their allegiance to the rose by dressing in red and creating flamboyant displays made of roses.

September

During the month, we host a Food & Rum Festival. This gastronomic event is inspired in part by the outstanding achievements of Chefs Nina Compton, Shorne Benjamin and Doran Payne. This unique event promotes Saint Lucian and other Caribbean rums, restaurants, chefs, and regionally manufactured food and drink products to a regional and international audience. The excitement includes cooking demonstrations, rum tasting, wine tasting, celebrity chef dinners and community culinary experiences, all this accompanied by musical and artistic performances by Saint Lucians and international artists.

Saint Lucia Dive and Adventure Week takes place from 6th – 13th September. The week is dedicated to underwater enthusiasts of all skill levels who come to explore Saint Lucia’s 22+ world-class dive sites and to understand just why the island’s underwater marine life is a must do. Coupled with the adventure component of the week-long event, the festival will present a robust schedule of activities for participants including opportunities to see and enjoy the island by land, sea and air.

October

In 1981, Saint Lucia celebrated Creole Day for the first time. Since then this celebration of French Creole heritage has extended into a month of music, dance, cuisine, art and other cultural expression. The event is a celebration of the richness and diversity of Saint Lucia’s ethnic and artistic heritage. With musical and theatrical performances, seminars and lectures, a variety of culinary experiences, street parties, art exhibitions, the festival culminates on the weekend of October 25 with the celebration of International Creole Day (Jounen Kweyol) in various communities throughout the island.

On 17th October, the second flower festival of the year takes place – La Marguerite. Many Saint Lucians observe the day as Fete La Marguerite. La Marguerite members dress in the colour purple and create displays of the Marguerite flower in addition to singing their traditional songs.

November

This month highlights the commencement of ARC (Atlantic Rally for Cruisers), the largest trans-oceanic sailing event in the world. It starts in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria at the end of November and finishes in IGY Rodney Bay Marina in Saint Lucia early December. A host of activities and cultural events take place for the visiting yachtsmen in Gros Islet.

December

The Festival of Light is celebrated on National Day, December 13th, the Feast of Saint Lucy, Patron Saint of Light. The festival celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good overcoming evil and the renewal of life. The celebrations start in the first week of December with a stunning Lantern Competition. They culminate on the eve of Saint Lucia Day, December 12th with the Parade of Lanterns in the streets of Castries, accompanied by a Christmas show and the illumination of the lights in the Derek Walcott Square in central Castries, and finally a fireworks display.

Fancy watching some horse-racing? Hosted by the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club, the CECF will take place on December 13, 2020. The event is expected to welcome hundreds of regional and international jockeys, fans and patrons. Regional and International as well as local award-winning horses will compete in races, bringing much excitement to the town of Vieux Fort in an outdoor tropical setting.