Carnival Tuesday in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

Carnival Tuesday, known locally as "Vincy Mas," is a vibrant and culturally significant celebration that takes place in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This event is part of a larger carnival season, which typically occurs annually during the months of June and July, with Carnival Monday and Tuesday being the climax of festivities.

History and Traditions

The origins of Vincy Mas date back to the colonial period when French settlers brought with them the tradition of pre-Lenten carnival. Over time, the celebration evolved to incorporate African customs and Vincentian culture. It transitioned from a pre-Lenten event to a mid-year festival after 1977, allowing for more visitor participation and aligning it with the nation's independence celebrations.

Traditionally, Carnival Tuesday showcases:

• Street Parades: Revelers dressed in colorful, elaborate costumes dance through the streets to the energetic rhythms of calypso, soca, and steelpan music.
• Competitions: Various competitions reach their finale on this day including Calypso Monarch and Road March titles.
• Panorama: Steel bands perform their renditions of popular songs in a competition that highlights musical talent.
• J'ouvert: Although J'ouvert usually occurs on Carnival Monday, it is an integral part of the festivities leading up to Carnival Tuesday. Participants cover themselves in mud, oil, or paint celebrating freedom.

Activities on Carnival Tuesday

During Carnival Tuesday:

• Locals and tourists alike take to the streets early in the morning participating in "Pretty Mas" where they display ornate costumes often featuring feathers, beads, and sequins.
• The day is filled with music as live bands perform throughout various neighborhoods.
• Street vendors offer local foods like roti, fried fish, and barbecue for revelers enjoying the day's festivities.
• The atmosphere is one of joyous celebration as participants dance through Port Elizabeth (if taking place on Bequia) or Kingstown (on mainland St. Vincent), among other locations.

Carnival Tuesday represents an apex of cultural expression within Saint Vincent and the Grenadines where history intertwines with contemporary revelry.