Nevis Culturama Festival

When is the 2026 Nevis Culturama Festival?

The Nevis Culturama Festival will occur from July 23, 2026 to August 4, 2026.

Where is the Nevis Culturama Festival celebrated?

The Nevis Culturama Festival is celebrated on Nevis, one of the two islands that make up St. Kitts and Nevis in the Caribbean.

What is Nevis Culturama Festival?

The Nevis Culturama Festival is the island’s vibrant answer to carnival, held annually to honor and preserve the island’s rich heritage, traditions, and identity. First established in 1974 by the Nevis Dramatic and Cultural Society (NEDACS), Culturama was created to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved Africans in the British Caribbean, which is officially commemorated on the first Monday in August. The festival blends elements of traditional African and Caribbean culture with modern festivities, allowing Nevisians (both residents and those in the diaspora) to reconnect with their roots through performance, music, food, and fellowship.

Culturama spans nearly two weeks, typically from late July to early August, and features a dynamic mix of events for all ages and interests. Each event reflects a blend of the old and new, combining ancestral customs with modern Caribbean culture.

More than just entertainment, the Nevis Culturama Festival serves as a cultural anchor for the island, fostering national pride and continuity of Nevisian traditions. It provides a space for intergenerational storytelling, artistic expression, and community bonding. Visitors to the island during Culturama experience not just a festival, but an immersive cultural journey through the sights, sounds, and spirit of Nevisian life.

Three traditional masqueraders waving a St. Kitts and Nevis flag at the 2025 Luton International Carnival, showcasing Caribbean heritage, costumes, and multicultural celebration in the UK.

Two traditional masqueraders waving a St. Kitts and Nevis flag at the 2025 Luton International Carnival, celebrating Caribbean culture, vibrant costumes, and multicultural unity in the UK.

Traditional masquerader waving a St. Kitts and Nevis flag at the 2025 Luton International Carnival, highlighting Caribbean heritage, colorful costumes, and multicultural celebration in the UK.

Traditional St. Kitts and Nevis masquerader with open arms at the 2025 Luton International Carnival, celebrating Caribbean heritage, vibrant costumes, and multicultural unity in the UK.

What to Expect at Nevis’ Culturama Festival?

At the Nevis Culturama Festival, expect a vibrant blend of traditional and modern Caribbean culture, celebrating Nevisian heritage through music, dance, food, and colorful festivities. The island comes alive with street parades, live performances, cultural exhibitions, and nonstop parties for all ages.

Here are some highlights of the Festival:

Beauty Pageants

Marvel at the grace and elegance of contestants vying for titles in beauty pageants, where participants showcase their poise, talent, and charisma.

Food Fairs

Local vendors offer authentic Nevisian and Caribbean dishes, from goat water to coconut dumplings.

Cultural Parade

A lively street procession with dancers, drummers, colorful costumes, and traditional masqueraders.

Calypso & Soca Competitions

Enjoy lively performances by talented local singers competing in spirited contests, showcasing their lyrical wit and musical prowess.

Jouvert Morning

A predawn street party with revelers in paint, powder, and music dancing through the streets.

Drama and Poetry Shows

Theatrical performances and spoken word pieces reflecting Nevisian stories and identity.

Nevis Culturama Festival Schedule

Grand Parade

Date: Aug 5, 2025

Location: From Delta Gas Station through Charlestown to Samuel Hunkins Drive.

Time: 13:00 - 20:00

This event is the grand climax of Culturama—filled with colorful floats, lively masquerades, steel‑pan rhythms, and enthusiastic crowds celebrating local culture in a joyous street procession through the heart of Charlestown.

Note: carnival organizers can switch-up routes, times, etc. at the last minute so tap the “ViewAllEvents” button to check for updates.

How to Get to Nevis for Carnival?

The most common way to reach Nevis is by flying into Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport (SKB) on St. Kitts, which has direct flights from Miami, New York, Toronto, and London, as well as regional Caribbean connections. From St. Kitts, you can take a short ferry or water taxi across The Narrows to Nevis.

Nevis also has its own small airport, Vance W. Amory International Airport (NEV), which mainly handles flights from nearby islands.

Where Should You Stay During Nevis Carnival?

Most visitors stay near Charlestown, the island’s capital, for easy access to Carnival events. For a quieter and more resort-like experience, consider accommodations along the Pinney’s Beach area, where you’ll find boutique hotels, villas, and beach resorts.

How to Get Around Nevis During Carnival?

Public buses are limited and not ideal for festival schedules, while taxis can be costly if used frequently. Renting a car is the best way to get around Nevis, giving you flexibility to attend Carnival events and explore the island’s beaches, hot springs, and historic sites at your own pace.

What Else Can You Do in Nevis During Carnival?

When you’re not enjoying Culturama, Nevis offers plenty to explore. Relax on Pinney’s Beach, hike to the summit of Nevis Peak, visit the historic Bath Hotel and Hot Springs, or explore plantation inns that showcase the island’s heritage. To make planning simple, browse and book local tours and excursions directly below.