Lucian Carnival 2026 launches in Miami

Dennery segment takes center stage at Lucian Carnival 2026 launch in Miami.
Photo courtesy SLTA

The St.  Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) says the international launch of Lucian Carnival 2026 took place in Miami on Oct. 8, marking the fourth consecutive year that the event has coincided with Miami Carnival and its surrounding festivities.

SLTA said the flavors, sights, and sounds of St. Lucia captivated more than 100 attendees, including travel trade partners, media representatives, carnival enthusiasts, and members of the St. Lucian Diaspora.

Consul General of St. Lucia to Miami, Darrel Montrope, warmly welcomed guests, while Louis Lewis, SLTA CEO, shared the reimagined vision for the destination, SLTA said.

It said Lewis emphasized the importance of signature events such as the St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival, Creole Heritage Month, and carnival as key pillars of the island’s tourism strategy.

“Lucian Carnival is an amplified time for visitors to experience the true spirit of St. Lucia,” Lewis said. “Our continued partnership with Miami Carnival extends our reach and strengthens the impact of Lucian Carnival each year.” 

SLTA said Dexter Percil, director of global marketing, presented the National Carnival Calendar, emphasizing its history and culture. In contrast, Christopher Gustave, marketing manager for the Caribbean, Events and Sports, highlighted the private parties and “showcased the vibrant and electrifying two-day Parade of the Bands.”

SLTA said the spotlight for 2026 is on the “high-energy, percussive genre” born in the fishing village of Dennery, “Dennery Segment”.

Curated by St. Lucian creative Trevor King, SLTA said the presentation explored the genre’s origins in “a simple computer, microphone, and rhythm, and its evolution into a globally recognized sound.”

“With its fast tempo, infectious drum patterns, rhythmic chanting, and minimal melodic instrumentation, Dennery Segment has become a defining feature of Caribbean Carnivals and international stages alike,” SLTA said.

It said the genre, which also reflects St. Lucia’s French Creole heritage, “through its use of local dialect, expressions, and cultural nuances that give it a distinctly Lucian flavor, came alive through live performances by UMPA, Blackboy, and Mighty.”

Backed by St. Lucian Deejay Sir Lancealot and dancers, SLTA said the showcase embodied the genre’s “raw, unapologetic energy and deep cultural roots capturing the creativity, vibrancy, and spirit of St. Lucian youth culture.”

SLTA said the evening concluded with exciting giveaways, including a trip for two to St. Lucia as part of a global carnival promotion running until May 1, 2026.

Partner airline Sunrise Airways also surprised one lucky winner with a trip for two, SLTA said.

It said the night wrapped up with “heartfelt remarks” from Thaddeus Antoine, SLTA chairman.  

SLTA said Lucian Carnival 2026 will be celebrated from Jul. 1–22, 2026.

For more information, visit stluia.org.