Carnival Tuesday in Saint Vincent And The Grenadines
Carnival Tuesday is the second day of a popular holiday observed in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in late June or early July every year. This holiday has technically been observed for hundreds of years and can be traced back to French colonial slave owners and the elaborate masquerade balls they would throw.
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines (Public holiday)This is a public holiday on the islands, so it’s a day off for the general public, and many businesses are closed. It’s also a day when thousands of people hit the streets to attend street fairs, participate in or watch parades, or see other cultural events.
The History of Carnival Tuesday in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines
When French colonists established plantations, they brought many of their French customs with them to the Caribbean. This includes the practice of throwing a masquerade, and many of the slave owners who participated in these events forced their slaves to participate as well. So, it’s no surprise that when slavery was outlawed, former slaves would take these masquerade traditions, mix them with African customs and rituals, and make them their own.
Observing Carnival Tuesday in Saint Vincent & The Grenadines
Even though there are only two days named for the Carnival celebrations, with Carnival Monday and Carnival Tuesday being those days, this carnival celebration actually lasts for approximately 12 days. During this time, there are parades, people dressing up in bright costumes, parties, steel drums, Calypso music, and plenty of competitions.
On Carnival Monday, there’s the J’Ouvert Parade, and on Carnival Tuesday, there’s the Mardi Gras Festival. These two holidays are the last two days of the entire carnival and really leave an impression on everyone attending the events.
Other events that happen on this holiday include the Miss SVG Contest, plenty of street food, and of course, a ton of tourists from all over the world attending the events. And there are plenty of locals who take the time to enjoy the fun and festive atmosphere of this event.
Saint Vincent and The Grenadines (Public holiday)
