Traditions of Basseterre
The capital of St Kitts and Nevis, where Sugar Mas carnival and a Christmas of masquerades run through the season.
Basseterre is a small port town on St Kitts, with a circular plaza called the Circus. The sugar industry shaped the islands, and the Carnival, Sugar Mas, is held from Christmas to New Year, with calypso, costume and the Masquerade, in which a troupe of costumed dancers play fife and drums.
Sugar Mas and Masquerade
From Boxing Day, the islands' Christmas Sports festival presents costumed bands, calypso and moko jumbies, stilt walkers, to a big finale on New Year's Day. The Big Drum dance and John Canoe are Afro-Kittitian forms. The Music Festival is held in June.
At the table
Goat water stew, saltfish with spicy plantain, and the national dish, stewed saltfish with spicy plantains and dumplings, are served. Conkies, cassava bread and pepperpot are festive. Cane spirit, CSR, is drunk. Fresh fish, such as red snapper, is grilled.
Signature traditions of Basseterre
Also part of it, and being written: Goat water (The stew.), Saltfish (Dried salted fish served with plantain and dumplings.).
A trail idea for Basseterre
- The Circus See the clock.
- Brimstone Hill Fortress See the fort.
- Independence Square Walk the plaza.
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Opening hours, markets and festival dates change; check locally before travelling. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.