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Vincy Mas, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

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What is Vincy Mas from St. Vincent and the Grenadines?

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The Vincy Mas is an annual celebration held in the Caribbean country of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It is a celebration full of music, color and deep national sentiment. The Vincy Mas is currentlythe largest festival in the country and features various traditional street parties, calypso and metal drumming performances, costume parades and the traditional J’ouvert of the Caribbean carnivals.

Like many other carnival festivities in the Caribbean, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Carnival is carried out with a great sense of celebrations and festivities. However, it has itsown national elements, making it a unique and unique carnival party.

 

 

The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Carnival celebrations are full of cultural manifestations that attract thousands of spectators every year, so they have become an important factor for the country’s economy. The Vincy Mas is a constant celebration from start to finish, which with daring, catchy rhythms and full of national identity will make you want to stay until the end.

During carnivals there are a lot of entertaining events such as the Miss SVG competition, the Soca Monarch Contest, the Junior Pan Fest and many other musical performances. The highlight of the carnivals is the Mardi Gras and the J’ouvert, both big events that allow people to come out toparty in style and express who they really are.

 

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Vincy Mas is an event full of national identity, music and celebration

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Vincy Mas is an event full of national identity, music and celebration

 

When is Vincy Mas St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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Despite being a carnival, the Vincy Mas are not held during the traditional carnival months; that is between February and March. In fact, carnivals are summer celebrations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as they are held from the month of June until the first week of July.

Ethe Vincy Mas Carnival or St. Vincent and the Grenadines Carnival, celebrations will take place from approximately June 25 to July 6.

 

 

History of Vincy Mas of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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Vincy Mas is the result of a long process of cultural blending that has occurred over the years, especially during and after the arrival of the colonists. The country had pre-existing traditions before the arrival of the colonizers; however, after their arrival, a syncretism between the traditions of the Creoles, Europeans and slaves began to develop.

The process of incorporation of carnivals in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines occurred approximately between the 18th and 19th centuries with the arrival of the French settlers and English. After a considerable process of conversion, religious celebrations began to take hold in the country, so the traditions of carnival did not take long to emerge. The celebrations occurred as they traditionally do between the months of February and March.

During the 20th century, musical elements such as the Calypso began to be introduced; however, the festivities were not yet popular, as they were still performed by certain sectors and not everyone was included. The general public began to participate during the 1940s, when metal drum bands were introduced. Also, in the 1960s, beauty pageants and carnival queens began to be incorporated, although the celebrations were held in a humble and somewhat disorganized manner.



In the year 1970, the carnivals stopped being held during the traditional period, this was due to a decision that took into account other events occurring in the middle of the year, so they decided to move the carnivals to be incorporated with the rest of the festivities. In addition, the event organizers did not want the Trinidad and Tobago carnivals to suffocate the St. Vincent and the Grenadines festivities, acquiring in addition, a 10-day holiday period.

Today, the carnival has a lot of elements in which are integrated the J’ouvert, the parade with all the participants and their colorful costumes, live performances of music and dancing, the events aimed at children, calypso and soca contests, the beauty contest and dozens of other activities. The Vincy Mas is an inclusive cultural festival that attracts local people and many of its nationals residing abroad and thousands of tourists from other countries.

 

Where is the Vincy Mas of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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The Vincy Mas is held in Kingstown, capital of the Caribbean country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Kingstown was founded in the year 1722 and has a population of 16,500 people.

 

People wear colorful costumes at the Vincy Mas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

People wear colorful costumes at the Vincy Mas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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How is the Vincy Mas of St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrated?

The Vincy Mas is a celebration that is packed with activities from start to finish. The program of events integrates various musical performances of traditional music, soca, calypso and concerts andmetal drumming contests. In addition, various activities are held specifically aimed at the city’s children.

Like any other carnival in the world, the Vincy Mas has some main celebrations or events that we cannot overlook.

 

J’Ouvert

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The J’Ouvert is a contraction of the French term Jour Overt which means early morning rest, which is why the celebration usually takes place from dawn to dawn. Those who participate in this celebration usually wear a costume with satirical or mocking elements, use a set of a Mas Band or Mas Band or use chains and cover their bodies with oil. The latter is one of the most traditional presentations of theJ’ouvert parties.

The event is a party that features various elements of entertainment, music and dancing. A big band takes to the streets of Kingstown awakening residents to enjoy the penultimate day of the carnival. In addition, the J’ouvert has a much deeper concept, rooted in theCaribbean culture, as it began to be celebrated after theabolition of slavery, so it represents a great festival of freedom and liberation.

Mardi Gras Parade

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This is a last chance to party and celebrate before the forty days before Easter. The parades comprise various Bandas Mas, which are groupings competing for the title of ‘Band of the Year‘ in a wonderful spirit of fun and rivalry merged. The celebration takes place through the streets of Kingstown, the perfect setting for dancing, partying and showing off the incredible and colorful outfits.

The Parade in a riot of music, allowing people to dance to the rhythm of soca and calypso songs. In addition, it is tradition that each band is grouped with their peers, so you will always see a large number of people gathered together wearing the same outfit. The Bandas Mas have various services that come along with the sets and usually consist of termos, drinks and customized music stations.

The Vincy Más features the following Mas Bands so far:

  • Ahdrenaline Carnival
  • Beautex International
  • Blondie Birds & Friends
  • High Voltage Mas Productions
  • Imagination Mas Band
  • Leeward International
  • Lynx Mas Band
  • Melbourne Artisans
  • Mirage Productions
  • Nelson Bloc Cultural Org. Inc
  • Verlene Ralph and the Professionals
  • Oxygen Mas SVG
  • SVG Players Int’l Mas Band
  • Tribes Mas Band
  • Xtreme Fanatics
  • Soca Monarch Competitions

This is one of the most attended events of all the carnivals and is a macro event of soca artists going head-to-head while entertaining the crowd with top-notch entertainment. In addition, at the end of the event, an award is given to the best performing group or individual.

 

Miss SVG

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The Miss SVG contest is a great competition of local beauty and is one of the most anticipated events of the carnivals. The candidates participating in the contest come from different regions who come to compete in the Vincy Mas carnival grounds. The candidates compete in 4 categories: swimsuits; talent; clothing and a round of questions or interviews.

The Señorita SVG contest is a great opportunity for the contestants, as the winner gets a four-year college scholarship and the opportunity to represent and attend the various events related to the country’s carnival and tourism.

 

Tips for going to Vincy Mas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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If you wish to attend the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Carnival or Vincy Mas, we advise you to plan your trip in advance, make an itinerary of activities and book your accommodation in advance. Also, remember to pack comfortable clothes and shoes so you can fully enjoy the carnivals.

During the Vincy Mas celebrations, the city has somewhat high temperatures, so we recommend staying hydrated at all times and applying sunscreen every 30 minutes. If possible, remember to use an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun.

If you want to know more about tourism in this country, I recommend this guide:

 

Events at Vincy Mas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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The Vicy Mas has a large repertoire of activities quite nourished, so you can find music activities or cultural activities. In addition, before the official celebrations are also held some ceremonies and events of great importance for the carnivals.

 

Pre-Carnival Events

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Musical events

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Carnivals include in their schedule of events some concerts and contests that take place some months before. These events usually consist ofmetal drum band contests and musical performances incorporating various traditional Caribbean genres such as soca and calypso.

 

Opening Event

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This is the opening ceremony of the carnivals where large musical events are held. The ceremony serves as a kind of party warm-up, so people greet them with much excitement and great enthusiasm to start the official carnivals.

 

Lady SVG

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It is the selection ceremony of the representative of the carnivals. The contest brings together all the candidates from various regions of the country to compete in 4 categories: swimsuits; talent; clothing and a round of questions. The coronation takes place well into the official carnival.

 

Official Carnivals

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Junior Carnival

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Junior Carnival is an event that encompasses several festive elements such as theJunior Calypso of primary and secondary schools, the Junior Soca Monarch and Junior Pan Fest. All these elements have a largecultural and musical repertoire that seeks to integrate the children of the city and the country to be included in the annual festival and take charge of keeping the traditions alive.

 

Steel and Glitter: Panorama

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It is one of the most anticipated events of the carnivals, especially by fans of metal drums, since this type of instruments deeply permeates the cultural roots of Caribbean people..

The event is made up ofmetal drum bands that compete against each other, trying to outdo each other, so the event ends up being a great musical event. In addition, lower level groups are also part of the event and compete against each other.

 

Soca Monarch Competition

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This is the event with the largest number of spectators. The various soca artists compete against each other, while entertaining the sea of spectators. The audience goes into a frenzy ofdancing and music and party for hours on end.

 

 

Dimanche Gras

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The event includes the crowning of the Soca Monarch Competition and theCarnival Queen. The event is accompanied by several musical compositions, in which groupings of Soca, Calypso and other traditional Caribbean genres also participate.

 

J’ouvert

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It is celebrated the day before the end of the carnival festivities. The people take to the streets during the night to celebrate in complete debauchery. The streets are filled with dresses andpeople covered in oil, dirt and paint. In addition, the parties are accompanied by live music bands that entertain the masses, while waking everyone up to be part of the festivities.

 

Evening Street Party

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It is usually an event that takes place on the same day as the J’ouvert. It is also a big celebration in the streets; however, this time people come out to party wearing Mas Bands T-shirts..

Hundreds of unicolor T-shirts take to the streets of the city in an atmosphere of festive harmony that is accompanied by several musical groups and trucks with speakers. Soca and calypso music thunders from buildings as they traverse the streets of the city.

 

Mardi Gras parade

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The most anticipated event of the carnivals is finally here. It is celebrated on the last day of the festivities and is when people dress up their best and wear their colorful and beautifully crafted Mas Bands outfits. The streets are filled with thousands of feather-decorated and brilliant costumes swaying to the rhythm of the music.

During the event, people congregate with people wearing the same attire, so the streets are filled with various colors. The music trucks and bands make an appearance in the streets to entertain revelers with soca music, calypso and the distinctive metal drums that are part of Caribbean culture.

 

Hundreds of people gather on the streets during St. Vincent and the Grenadines Vincy Mas

Hundreds of people gather on the streets during St. Vincent and the Grenadines Vincy Mas

 

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Vincy Mas Parades

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The Main Parade of the carnivals is known as the Mardi Gras Parade and takes place onthe last day of the festivities. During the event hundreds of people come out to take to the streets of Kingstown in their beautifully elaborate costumes of the Bandas Mas. The streets are divided between celebration points where the various groups meet. The entire event is accompanied bylive bands and big trucks that the organizers arrange for the public to perform their dance performances.

The event is also a vehicle for the competitions of the different Bandas Mas, which seek with great effervescence to obtain the title of the best band..

 

Parade route

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St. Vincent and the Grenadines Vincy Mas features an extensive program of music, competition and celebration

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Vincy Mas features an extensive program of music, competition and celebration

 

The Main Parade which takes place on the last day of the celebrations is held on the main thoroughfares of the capital of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

 

Hairoun is one of the most popular national beers

Hairoun is one of the most popular national beers

 

What to eat at Vincy Mas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a Caribbean country, so it is not surprising that it has a large and varied gastronomy based on seafood and good drinks, including rum and beer. In fact, one of the most important beers in the country is Hairoun. It is one of the most historic brands of the island and has an alcoholic percentage of 4.8%.

In addition, you can also try the island’s national dish: Jackfish and roasted breadfruit. The dish consists of a saltwater fish that is accompanied by frutipan, a fruit that emerges from the breadfruit tree.

In addition, the city of Kingstown has a few restaurants, bars and cafes that you can visit to expand your dining experience on the island. Some of the eateries in the capital include Veejays, Bush Bar svg, Cafe Soleil, Melting Pot and Grand View Grill.

 

Jackfish and roasted breadfruit is the national dish of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Jackfish and roasted breadfruit is the national dish of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

 

Travel Insurance

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From Carnavalesdelmundo.org we recommend to hire a good insurance to visit this carnival and to know the rest of the country. For being our readers we offer a 5% discount on all IATI insurance. Read more information about all insurance offers here:

 

 

What to see and do inside Vincy Mas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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Once inside the carnivals, you canattend a host of musical events, especially the Junior Carnival, which encompasses the Junior Pan Fest events with the metal drums and the Junio Calypso/Soca with the competitions. In addition, you can’t miss the Steel and Glitter and the Soca Monarch Competition, as these are some of the most representative and attended events of the carnivals.

If you want tobe an active part of the carnivals, we definitely recommend participating in the J’ouvert, the Evening Street Party and finally in the Mardi Gras Parade, where you can dance, listen to the best Caribbean music and party with all the good energy that Vincy Mas has to offer.

If you don’t want to complicate things, here you can book interesting excursions in Spanish in this city:.

Guided tours in Spanish around the world

 

What to see and do outside of Vincy Mas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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Some of the tourist attractions you can find yourself in the city of Kingstown are:

 

Botanical Gardens

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It is an area with lots of plants and trees. The enclosure offers you some walks where you can stroll and learn a little more about the various types of plants that have or just hang out. The gardens also host some celebrations such as weddings. They also have some cages with typical birds of the island.

 

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption

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It is a Catholic temple. The current building was built in the decade of the 30s of the twentieth century; however, the first structure was built in the early nineteenth century. Inside the enclosure you can find a garden with some benches and various decorative plants.

 

Market Square

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It is one of the most traditional shopping areas of the city. Here you can find a wide variety of local products that are usually much cheaper than in conventional supermarkets.

Also if you want to visit museums and important buildings in this city we recommend that you book your entrance ticket in advance through Tiquets: .

Book tickets in the city you are visiting

 

Safety at Vincy Mas in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

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The city of Kingstown is quite friendly and safe, so it has a low crime rate. However, we recommend that you keep a low profile and keep your belongings in a safe place. Also, be sure to contact the relevant agencies if you are able to identify any suspicious activity. In addition, we recommend the following products to keep your items safe:

 

 

Weather at Vincy Mas in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

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During the Vincy Mas celebrations, the city of Kingstown boasts hot weather, with temperatures ranging from 26 to 31 degrees Celsius. We recommend staying hydrated, wearing light, comfortable clothing and applying sunscreen regularly.

 

People parade in the streets during St. Vincent and the Grenadines Vincy Mas

People parade in the streets during St. Vincent and the Grenadines Vincy Mas

 

How to get to the Vincy Mas of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

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How to get there by plane

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The closest airport to the city of Kingstown is Argyle International Airport, which receives flights mainly from the Caribbean and North America. Once you are here, you can use the different means of transportation to get to the city center of Kingstown.

We recommend buying airline tickets through Kiwi.com or Skyscanner where they are usually cheaper. More information on this link to review Kiwi.com..

 

How to get there by car

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From the airport, you can take a car and take Bay Street. The drive is 7 minutes.

 

Move around the city

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The city has a lot of public transportation, these are mainly from public companies, so fares range from 1 to 3 Eastern Caribbean dollars.

 

Where to stay in Vincy Mas in St. Vincent and the Grenadines

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Booking.com

 

Rich View Hotel

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3-star hotel 800 meters from the city center. Rooms have air conditioning, private balcony, TV and telephone. The hotel has a bar and free wifi.

 

The Milligan

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4-star hotel 6 km from the city center. Rooms feature closet, TV and private bathroom. The hotel offers free airport transfers, free Wi-Fi and a bar.

 

Sunset Shores Beach Hotel

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3 star hotel 3.5 km from the city center. Rooms are air-conditioned and have private bathrooms with shower. The hotel has a swimming pool, bar, airport transfers and beach entrance.

We recommend you use Booking.com to book hotels at a good price, check more information here:.



 

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