Saint Lucia National Day — festival of Lights and Renewal
December 13 All day
The Festival of Light in Saint Lucia is an event that traditionally marks the beginning of the Christmas season on December 13th, honouring Saint Lucy, the patron saint of light. This festival symbolises the victory of light over darkness and the renewal of life.
A key tradition of the festival is the creation of lanterns, originally hung in doorways to “light the way,” which has evolved into a creative competition held in the first week of December. Participants, both youth and adults, craft lanterns from natural and recycled materials, as well as colorful papers, depicting various themes such as local culture, historical buildings, and imaginative designs.
The celebration culminates on the eve of Saint Lucia Day with the Festival of Light. The festivities include a Parade of Lanterns through Castries, accompanied by Christmas songs and dances, followed by the illumination of Derek Walcott Square and a fireworks display. Many businesses also continue the tradition of lighting up on December 13th.
In 2013, the festival introduced the Lantern Ritual, where a musical procession to the harbour, led by traditional masqueraders, sets paper lanterns afloat on the water, carrying the wishes and prayers of the patrons for the season and beyond.