VINCYMAS 2023 PHOTOS, VIDEOS AND REVIEW

Duration

Every year Vincymas kicks off on the last Friday in June and generally runs for about 12 days. A week is recommended - Wednesday to Wednesday (following Mardi Gras). The landscape is very similiar to Trinidad Carnival where Dimanche Gras takes place on Sunday night, J'Ouvert on Monday morning, T-Shirt Mas on Monday evening and Pretty Mas (they call it Mardi Gras) on the Carnival Tuesday. Leading up to Mardi Gras, there's an onslaught of events - Pool parties, All/Drink Inclusives, Steelpan, Colour/J'Ouvert fetes, Soca Monarch (Carnival Saturday night), Beach parties and Boat Rides. You name it, Vincymas has it!

Parade Day

Parade of the Bands takes place on the Carnival Tuesday.

Currency

The official currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC) but US dollar is accepted throughout their island(s). Exchange rate is approx. US$1 = EC$2.70.

Temperature

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a tropical climate, with hot, humid conditions year-round. Historically, the dry season has been from December to May and the rainy season from June to November. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 77°F to 87°F and is rarely below 74°F or above 89°F.

TJJ Recommended Hotel

Don't expect 5-star or big business like hotels in St. Vincent. The carnival and activities are mainly based in Kingstown (not Kingston) so the Grenadine House, a delightful and attractive old colonial building, was our base. It's 10min walk into town (uphill on the return journey) and less than 5 minute drive to Victoria Park (home for all official CDC events). Lovely view, great value and friendly staff. We also enjoyed a short stay at Royal Bliss Apartment Suites.

Best places to stay

If you want to be within striking distance to the Carnival action, you should stay in the Kingstown area. Kingstown is the capital city of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and offers a mix of budget and mid-range accommodations.

Communication / Mobile Providers

You can get a Saint Vincent and the Grenadines SIM card for 15 XCD (5.55 USD) from Digicel and 25 XCD (9.25 USD) from Flow in their stores (and some resellers for Digicel). They are also sold at Saint Vincent-Argyle International Airport (SVD).

Transportation

Taxi. The best way to get around St. Vincent & The Grenadines is by taxi. Taxis are readily available in St. Vincent and the larger islands like Bequia, Mustique, and Union Islands. The government sets taxi rates, but the vehicles are unmetered, so agree to the fare before starting your trip.

Car Rental. Rental cars are available on St. Vincent. Note that the roads are quite challenging to navigate as they are narrow and often dotted with potholes. If you choose to drive, take note that you need to drive on the left side of the road.

Public Transport. Public transport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines consists mainly of minibusses and vans. You can hail a bus as you would a cab, and the driver will tell you if he is going your way. Bus rides are cheap, and because this is the primary mode of transport for locals, they can be overcrowded and slow.

Ferry. Several ferry companies operate daily services between the islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Ferry Schedules and routes can vary depending on the season, so it’s essential to check with the ferry company for the most up-to-date information.

Source: www.travelpulse.com

Flights

Argyle International Airport (SVD) is where you will clear immigrations and customs. It's the only airport in St. Vincent and the Grenadines that offers international scheduled flights.

Cost of a 2 Piece Combo

EC$21.85 (US$8.08) for a 2 Piece Chicken Combo. Using our KFC global standard, a 2 Pc. Chicken Combo, which includes individual side & medium drink, cost $5.99 in the US.

Late Night Eats

The food court at Victoria Park never let us down. Chicken, Pork, Fish along with other local favourties.

TJJ Favourite Restaurants

Veejays Bar and Restaurant (Local cuisine)
Stop Light Restaurant & Bar - Frenches Gate (Local cuisine)

Local Food

When traveling one should always enjoy the local delicacies. SVG got lots of great local eating spots in and around town. Don't leave the island until you've had some Callaloo Soup!! If you have a sweet tooth, Ducana may just become your new favorite. Subway lovers, defintely order something from the "Local Favorities" menu.

Local Drinks

Hairoun Beer. Now, until you consume a shot of Sunset Very Strong Rum (aka jet fuel) you truly cannot say you visited SVG. It's 84.5% alc/vol and strongly advised by locals that you chase with a glass of ICE cold water.

Alcohol purchase

The majority of J'Ouvert and Mas bands are drinks inclusive.