Top things to know
- Nine delegates have been selected to compete in Saint Lucia's 72nd National Carnival Queen Pageant.
- The pageant is a key event of the Lucian Carnival, scheduled for July 2026.
- Delegates were announced on March 12, 2026, and are undergoing intensive training, including public appearances and personal development.
- The winner will receive a crown, EC$25,000, and a university scholarship, and will represent Saint Lucia internationally.
- The current National Carnival Queen is Emerle Tisson, Miss Bank of Saint Lucia.
Saint Lucia has officially announced the nine delegates selected to compete in the 72nd National Carnival Queen Pageant, a highlight of the upcoming Lucian Carnival in July 2026. The contestants, chosen following a rigorous audition process, represent various communities across the island and are now embarking on an intensive preparation regimen.
The Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) and the National Carnival Queen Pageant Committee formally introduced the delegates during a launch ceremony held on Thursday, March 12, 2026. This presentation marked the official start of their journey towards the coveted title.
Preparation for the pageant is comprehensive, encompassing a range of activities designed to hone the delegates' skills and public presence. This includes extensive training sessions, participation in public appearances, and engagements with sponsors. The program also emphasizes personal development, aiming to equip the contestants with confidence and poise for both the competition and future endeavors.
The stakes for the 72nd National Carnival Queen Pageant are significant. The victorious delegate will be awarded a prestigious crown, a cash prize of EC$25,000, and a university scholarship. Beyond these immediate rewards, the winner will also earn the esteemed opportunity to represent Saint Lucia on international platforms, serving as an ambassador for the island's culture and beauty.
The current titleholder, Emerle Tisson, who holds the distinction of Miss Bank of Saint Lucia, will pass on her crown to the new queen. The pageant is a central feature of the broader Lucian Carnival, an event that spans from July 1 to July 22, with its most vibrant celebrations concentrated in the final days. The Carnival is renowned for its dynamic street parades, pulsating soca music, and lively all-night parties, drawing crowds and visitors to the island. For those attending the festivities, special accommodation packages, such as Bay Gardens Resorts' 'Bacchanal Palace Experience,' are designed to simplify the carnival experience by bundling transportation, access, and recovery services, ensuring attendees can fully immerse themselves in the celebration.