Nevis’ greatest cultural festival has finally made its long-awaited comeback! Culturama is a cultural festival usually celebrated on a public holiday in Saint Kitts and Nevis on the Tuesday following the first Monday in August of each year. This year, Culturama Festival is set to begin on the 2nd of August.
It is a festival that highlights the islands’ cultural history and prolongs the Emancipation Day festivities by one day. Although there are many events throughout the Caribbean, Culturama stands out!
Non-essential public offices, schools, and most businesses are closed on this public holiday. It’s also a holiday for the general public, allowing everyone to participate in the festivities. Even though the festival is celebrated every year in August, the festivities usually begin at the end of July and last throughout August. Presently, it is one of the most innovative festivals in the Caribbean, which has now returned following a tragic pandemic.
“We believe it is important to stay true to our cultural roots,” said Devon Liburd, Nevis Tourism Authority CEO. “Locals and visitors alike love experiencing Culturama, as this lively 12-day event brings together, in a single showcase, all the colorful traditions that make Nevis so unique.”
The schedule for this year includes everything from sporting events to concerts, poetry readings and theatrical performances and, of course, energetic “limes” with local fare and cocktails.
INTERESTING FEATURES ON ST KITTS & NEVIS
Saint Kitts and Nevis is a twin-island Caribbean nation with the smallest area and population in the Americas. The larger island is St. Kitts and the smaller is Nevis. St. Kitts is commonly known as “The Mother Colony of the West Indies” mainly because it was the first English colony in the Caribbean.
The islands are blessed with wonderful beaches and palms littered across the rim of the island. Hospitality amongst the locals is second to none and they are very welcoming. The Cottle Church, which was founded in 1824, is the region’s first integrated church. St. Kitts is named after Saint Christopher, while Nevis gets its name from Christopher Columbus, who first saw the island in 1493. Also, Alexander Hamilton, who is one of the founding fathers of the United States of America, was born on the island of Nevis.
NEVIS HISTORY OF CULTURAMA FESTIVAL
Culturama is the celebration that displays the richness of the island. If you are in St. Kitts and Nevis and looking for a celebration of culture and to view the beauty of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, Culturama event is the place to be.
The first event first took place in 1974. Culturama was conceived after meeting the Nevis Dramatic and Cultural Society (NEDACS) in February 1974 after which the festival was dubbed ‘Culturama,’ and the date was set for August Emancipation weekend. While outsiders may struggle to distinguish the festival from many other Caribbean carnivals, Cultarama does endeavor to keep its original objective of promoting indigenous culture and tradition through many of its programs.
Nevisians honor their heritage every year during Culturama. It’s Nevis’ response to the various carnivals held on other Caribbean islands. It is celebrated every year in early August to honor Nevisians who have returned to feast with their friends and relatives. It is a celebration and memorial of cultural customs.
Every night, there is music, parties, food fairs, and concerts, all leading up to the early walks through downtown Charlestown. There are also colorful pageants, dancing, poetry, and folk music to enjoy. The day ends with a walk-through packed street with thousands of spectators from across the world.
NEVIS CULTURAMA DAY ACTIVITIES
The day is filled with so many activities. You can be sure to have all-night parties, feasts, loud music concerts, and streets loaded with singing, dancing, being a part of the festival and experience Nevis’ rich Caribbean cuisine. The Locals and tourists can find different dishes to their liking. Colorful clothing, poetry, folk music, dancing, and pageants are all available to enjoy. The day is filled with packed streets and thousands of spectators from around the world all ready to soak in the fullness and richness of the event.
The major reason why Culturama is observed yearly is to help to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the island, Nevis. Over the years, it has grown into a celebration of the island’s culture as well as all cultures of the visitors pour in from all over the world. Hopefully, in the future, Culturama will be recognized with other popular regional and international celebrations.
Another amazing thing about the event is that It brings huge economic benefits to the island. As a part of the festivities, a Miss Culture Queen pageant, an International Artist Night, and a Calypso Show will be conducted. One of the highlights of the event is the early-morning march through downtown Charlestown, which is the best part of the festival.
NEVIS CULTURAMA DAY DATESHERE IS ARE THE DATES OF THE SPECIAL EVEN FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS.
| Year | Date | Day |
| 2022 | August 2 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | August 8 | Tuesday |
| 2024 | August 6 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | August 5 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | August 4 | Tuesday |
This event is a ‘once in a year’ spectacle. Islanders always look forward to having visitors and tourists from all over the world, visit and have the opportunity to witness firsthand the rich culture of the Nevis people. The dates must be saved and added to your bucket list of Islands to visit this year. No one ever regrets coming to Nevis for Culturama festival.
Thinking about traveling to see St. Kitts & Nevis in 2022? Be sure to check our Caribbean Travel Requirements COVID-19 updates for the latest requirements for travel to St. Kitts and Nevis as well as other Caribbean countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago.
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