As December rolls into January, St Kitts & Nevis comes alive as it rings in the new year with its National Carnival. Affectionately known as ‘Sugar Mas’ – a nod to the nation's sugar industry past – it's a blend of history, culture and community rooted in resistance and joy; the masquerade brought to life by characters such as mocko jumbies (stilt walkers), the bull, clowns and mummies.
Sugar Mas combines African, Indigenous and European influences, commemorating emancipation and Kittitian culture, with over 50 events throughout the islands, including calypso and soca competitions, fetes, folklore and street performances.
Now in its 54th year, the event climaxes with a Grand Parade, or ‘Pretty Mas’, on New Year's Day, where trucks carrying bands playing live music and masqueraders dancing in vibrant costumes…