Events hitting the right notes for St Lucia Carnival

The events leading up to the two-day jump up of St Lucia Carnival 2023 are living up to the slogan of Nothing Sweeter than that.

From the reactions of patrons attending Export the Runway,  the National Carnival Queen Competition won by Miss Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate, Shanice Butcher, the Groovy and Power Soca Monarch, Calypso Monarch, Junior Carnival and National Panorama Competition, indications are for a phenomenal climax. [caption id="attachment_393363" align="alignnone" width="488"] Peyton Dalson depicting Ole Mas.[/caption]

Lucian Carnival runs from July 1 to 19, and one of the first events was Export the Runway. This was a collaboration of music, fashion, and dance in and around the island’s carnival, wrapped up in a fashion show. The work of designers, makeup artists and all the elements that go into such a production were highlighted and ready for export. [caption id="attachment_393362" align="alignnone" width="488"] Amaya Charlemagne was a belle in Misque Quadrille, the island’s cultural dance.[/caption]

And the glam and glamour of the night did not disappoint.

[caption id="attachment_393361" align="alignnone" width="650"] Some of the members Pantastic Muzik.[/caption]

Carnival celebrations, also known as Vaval – given the island’s French influence – went up another notch with the staging of the Groovy and Power Soca Monarch Competition. [caption id="attachment_393360" align="alignnone" width="650"] Models on Export the Runway.[/caption]

There were ten competitors in each segment, but at the end of the lyrical clash, Arthur Allain dethroned last year’s winner to walk away with the Groovy Monarch title with his song Feeling Irie. The second runner-up was Ezra D’Funmachine with Cho (Head Hot), and in third position was Ricky T, who performed Never. [caption id="attachment_393359" align="alignnone" width="650"] Male models shine at Export the Runway.[/caption]

In the Power Soca, the competition was fierce, and the crowd showed that Imran Nerdy was their absolute favourite as they engaged and partied throughout his popular hit Clockout. The ever-popular Ricky T came in second with Kay Ou (Your House), and  Ezra D’Funmachine secured third place with Hello Carnival. [caption id="attachment_393358" align="alignnone" width="650"] Arranger Allison Marquis celebrates win with some members of Courts Babonneau Steel Orchestra.[/caption]

The lyrical prowess of the island’s entertainers was again on show with the Calypso Monarch Competition, but it was the vocals rendered by Ti Blacks which reigned supreme. He was crowned king with his tunes Ghetto Cries, and We won’t Forget Menelle. [caption id="attachment_393357" align="alignnone" width="650"] Imran Nerdy being crowned king of Power Soca.[/caption]

Carnival was definitely in the air as the children took the street of the capital to portray their colourful and vibrant costumes – depicting all things St Lucia, from traditional wear to pastimes – for the Junior Carnival. [caption id="attachment_393354" align="alignnone" width="650"] Popular entertainer Ricky T and his dancers.[/caption]

The National Panorama Competition, with performances from five different orchestras, was a steelpan lovers’ dream, but in the end, Court Babonneau Steel Orchestra proved that they had no equal on Sunday night when they took the title for a fifth time. 

fernellawedderburn@barbadostoday.bb ]]>