Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine January 2018 | Page 487

Celebrate
CARNIVAL
on St. Barths
Get ready to party!
Carnival celebrations are popular events in St
Barth.
The annual Carnival celebration begins in
January, the first weekend after Epiphany.
Carnival groups march regularly through the
streets of Gustavia on the weekend, with the
resonating sound of drums as a warm up to
the big Mardi Gras parade.
The festive Mardi Gras party includes a colorful
parade in Gustavia, with music, decorated
floats, and costumes that compete for the
best in creativity. The festivities continue long
after sunset, with partying in the streets.
And, in island tradition, the next day on Ash
Wednesday, an effigy of Vaval, the Carnival
King, is burnt in a big bonfire on Shell Beach,
with more music and drumming. In St Barth,
the Carnival celebration takes place in a lively
and friendly ambiance, and many of the island’s
residents take part via local associations.
Everyone is welcome to take part in one of the
most memorable events of the year.
© St. Barth Tourism