ST. LUCIA – St. Lucians are set to enjoy the upcoming seven weeks leading up to the main events of Carnival Monday and Tuesday, – July 21 and 22 – following the official launching of St. Lucia Carnival 2008.
The event took place on Sunday at the Mindoo Phillip Park, with an eager crowd of thousands, jumping and waving while hanging on to every musical note coming from the stage.
With the opening declaration by 2007 Carnival Queen Soriah John, youngsters and adults alike assembled to the front of the stage not moving until the last performer exited close to midnight.
National and community carnival queen contestants dressed elegantly in coordinated ensembles, introduced themselves to the audience. The show proceeded with costume displays by both kiddies and adult carnival bands.
Minister in the Ministry of Culture Senator the Honourable Gaspard Charlemagne, promised this year’s carnival celebrations will exceed expectations, and encouraged carnival patrons to ensure they enjoy the activities more than previous years.
“Let me extend on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Culture and on behalf of the Government of St. Lucia, our best wishes to all St. Lucians for a bigger and better carnival 2008. I want by all means, to encourage you to do better than that great carnival you had last year. You cannot stop on 2007 and say we had a very good carnival. 2008 must by all means surpass 2007,” said Charlemagne.
The event was truly an all St. Lucian spectacle, with various local calypso and soca artistes taking the stage much to the delight of the responsive crowd.
By all indications, the island’s main cultural showpiece is set to live up to its coined title for this year – Carnival 2KGreat.
