The Caribbean island of St. Kitts offers up all of the attractions you want in a tropical destination. You can find swimming and sunny beaches, as well as water skiing and canoeing. You will also find boating and fishing in the waters surrounding the island, however; if you really want to enjoy everything that St. Kitts has to offer, then consider a trip during mid-December. Then, you can enjoy the celebration of carnival. Worth the time and effort, it is a truly unique Caribbean celebration.

The celebration of carnival is not exactly like the other festivals that pop up year round throughout the Caribbean islands. It is a wonderful mixture of a Christmas carnival and a colorful look at the African heritage of this Caribbean destination. In recent years, the organizers of the event have worked with their tourism department to make the festival part of the tourist attraction to the island.

Lasting for more than two weeks, the carnival kicks off without needing any sort of warm up. Day one generally is filled with Calypso musical shows, street jamming by musicians, and parties. The action, then continues throughout the 17 days that generally extend into the new year. According to local leaders in St. Kitts, the carnival belongs to everyone. With that in mind, all locals are encouraged to not only enjoy the celebration, but also to participate in it to some degree.

By the festival’s midway point, you will find the streets filled with locals and visitors alike. People party and dance to the calypso music that fills the air from dawn to dusk. Basseterre, the capital of St. Kitts, is particularly alive with dancing and music during the festival.

Most visitors are particularly enamored with the street displays by local groups. These folklore artists display and perform to keep the traditions of the island alive. You will find them performing Masquerade and Clowns while the sounds of street calypso are heard thanks to the string and steel bands comprised of homemade instruments and steel oil drums. It is an island festival atmosphere in every way.

The traditions of the Christmas season are alive during Carnival as well. Evenings are greeted with religious groups conducting services, songs, and performances to celebrate the season. The entire experience of the carnival is a mix of island, African, and Christmas celebration. This allows you to feel the culture, understand the heritage, and experience the joy that is St. Kitts during carnival. Take in the music, smell the excitement, and taste the cuisine from street vendors and local establishments.

Certainly, there is a lot to do in St. Kitts and a trip there any time of year will be time well spent. If you can make it down there, though, during the Carnival, you will get a truly unique Caribbean experience. Through the parties, the music, the dancing, the arts, and the Christmas spirit you will get an island experience that will be truly memorable. There is no need to worry, either, the beaches are still there and the days are still plenty sunny. So take a trip to St. Kitts in mid-December to truly get a taste of the island and its people.