The Parade of the Bands is the grand finale of Lucian Carnival. It is a long, vibrant, and high-energy journey through the streets of Castries, so pace yourself! From the moment you step onto the route, its nonstop vibes, dazzling costumes, and pure Lucian vibes.
But let’s be real, it’s also a marathon. The sun will be shining, the music will be pumping, and the drinks will be flowing, so be sure to:
- Lather up that sunblock.
- Stay hydrated, drink lots of water.
- Wear comfortable shoes, you’ll be dancing for hours!
- Fuel up! A good meal before and during the parade keeps the energy high.
- Drink and Enjoy Responsibly. Most bands keep the drinks flowing, but remember to pace yourself, know your limits, and keep the good times rolling without overdoing it.
Not jumping in a band? No problem! The Lucian way to enjoy the parade from the sidelines is to grab your crew, pack a cooler, and set up your chairs in a shady spot. Families, friends, and vibes enjoying the mas all day long, that’s how we do it! You’ll find plenty of roadside bars and food spots along the route, so you’ll never be too far from an ice-cold drink or a delicious local bite. Just be sure to check directional signage when choosing your spot, some areas are restricted for safety and smooth parade flow. Get comfortable, soak in the energy, and enjoy Carnival, Lucian-style!
The parade will begin and end at the Choc, Gros Islet, near Massy Mega. Check out the video below for the route. If you played mas in 2024 then you’ll notice there are no changes.
Traffic Diversions
Motorists should expect significant delays when travelling during the parade of the bands. Pay attention to local news stations for updates on traffic diversions. Note that the information below is subject to change.
North Bound Traffic: from Castries City heading towards Gros Islet
Vehicles travelling from Castries towards Gros Islet, will exit the city through Chaussee Road, onto the Calvary, into La Clery and onto the John Compton Highway via the Vigie Roundabout. Northbound vehicular traffic will be restricted to the left lane only. The right lane will be utilized for emergency purposes only.
South Bound Traffic: from Gros Islet towards Castries City
All vehicles heading towards the city from the Gros-Islet area must turn left into Grande Riviere and utilize the Morne Du-don/Balata Road to get into Castries, with the exception of vehicles exiting at Sunny Acres. Vehicles travelling into Sunny Acres MUST be escorted by a Police Outrider once they have gotten to the intersection of Castries Gros- Islet Hwy. The John Compton Highway will be closed to southbound vehicular traffic.
Where possible, drivers are encouraged to utilize the back roads during parade times and to practice safe driving habits.