In a dazzling culmination of vibrant costumes, pulsating rhythms, and a celebration of culture, Ultra Carnival has once again claimed the coveted title of Troupe of the Year at Sugar Mas 52 in St Kitts and Nevis.
The announcement was made today by Shannon Hawley, Chair of the St Kitts and Nevis National Carnival Committee (SKNNCC), on the state media network ZIZ.
Ultra Carnival’s awe-inspiring presentation, titled “The Wonders of Africa,” earned them a staggering 669 points, securing their position as the unrivalled champions of the carnival for the second consecutive year.
The troupe’s artistic prowess and commitment to delivering an exceptional carnival experience were further acknowledged with additional accolades, including the Spirit of Carnival and King of the Bands awards.
Luxe Carnival claimed the second spot with 620 points, also earning recognition for Section of the Year and being the first to launch on parade day. Novali Mas secured the third position with 614 points.
Zeus Carnival seized the Queen of the Band award, adding to the kaleidoscope of triumphs celebrated during Sugar Mas 52.
The festivities, set to conclude today with the Last Lap parade, have been hailed by Hawley as one of the best editions of the festival. Despite the resounding success, she candidly admitted to some challenges that affected the overall production.
“There were some mishaps yesterday in terms of the movement of the troupes on the road. We started late, and as such, we needed to get those troupes into town at a decent time, and I think that is something we did not manage to do,” Hawley stated.
Acknowledging the room for improvement, she emphasized the need to address these logistical issues efficiently and effectively in the future.
While expressing her satisfaction with Sugar Mas 52’s grandeur, Hawley hinted at forthcoming discussions with stakeholders regarding potential changes for Sugar Mas 53.
One significant proposal on the table is the possibility of relocating the J’ouvert parade from the capital city of Basseterre.
“We need a new home for J’ouvert. J’ouvert has outgrown the streets of Basseterre. You see, people complain about bottlenecks but offer no constructive solutions”.
“And the only solution that can be is moving J’ouvert either out of Basseterre or having J’ouvert essentially set up similarly to the grand parade where you have troupe after troupe in a line,” Hawley explained.
Anticipating potential opposition to this proposed change, Hawley underscored the necessity of such adjustments to enhance the overall carnival experience.
These discussions with stakeholders will shape Sugar Mas’s future and contribute to the evolution of Caribbean carnival celebrations.
As the vibrant colours of Sugar Mas 52 fade into fond memories, the stage is set for the announcement of dates for Sugar Mas 53. The anticipation is palpable, promising another year of revelry, creativity, and cultural pride for St Kitts and Nevis.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
