The streets of Basseterre in St Kitts will be alive with colour, music and energy as masqueraders hit the road to welcome the New Year in Caribbean-style at Sugar Mas 54.

From glittering feathers to costumes that leave little to the imagination, the island’s Carnival once again promises a visual feast for revellers and spectators alike.

Here are some of the hottest and most eye-catching costumes expected to turn heads on the road this year.

Ultra Carnival – HOME(AGE): A Love Letter to the Legends

Reigning Band of the Year, Ultra Carnival, is pulling out all the stops as it works to defend its crown in 2025. 

The band’s latest presentation, HOME(AGE): A Love Letter to the Legends, pays tribute to the St Kitts and Nevis mas men and women who helped shape and sustain the festival over the years.

Rodeo Royal

One standout section, Rodeo Royal, is a sultry blue-and-gold costume inspired by Kittitian Rodeo, a PhunnMakers Mas Camp presentation staged in 2001, which featured Cowboys and Indians during the country’s Christmas Sports celebrations. Designed by Trinidadian mas designer David Dewer, the section proved so popular it sold out completely.

Nebula Dreams

The visual spectacle continues with Nebula Dreams, a tantalising section that draws inspiration from the cosmos. With shimmering details and celestial tones, the design invites revellers to free themselves and fully embrace the rhythm and vibes of a new year unfolding.

Designed by Marie Collette, the section is inspired by Splendor of the Galaxy by Janice Reynolds (1980) and Fantasy of the Universe by Cynthia Hull and Sandra Berridge (1992).

According to the band, Nebula Dreams “draws from this spirit of infinite creation. Iridescent textures and radiant details mirror the movement of light through space—an homage to those who dreamed beyond limits.”

Luxe Carnival – Sakura

Luxe Carnival is hoping its sixth carnival presentation will be strong enough to wrest the Band of the Year title away from Ultra Carnival. This year, the band turns to nature for inspiration, highlighting the delicate allure of flowers.

The Sakura section features eye-catching costumes in cherry blossom hues, with feathered and gem-stoned bikinis enhanced by striking add-ons. Both male and female costumes can be modified to include large floral backpacks made of fabric cherry blossoms.

In a Facebook post, the band explained that the female costume represents a woman walking with “serene grace, each bloom a quiet whisper of elegance, embodying the timeless beauty of Japan’s hanami traditions and the gentle rhythm of the season.” The male costume, the band added, symbolises strength and protection, with dark, steady branches cradling each delicate blossom through time.

The section was designed by Shawn Dhanraj.

Epic Mas x Novali Mas – Players Club: Roll of Fortune

Epic Mas and Novali Mas join forces this Carnival with Players Club.

Inspired by the thrill of the dice, the section “Roll of Fortune” plays on the idea that one roll can change everything. 

Revellers will rock a striking silver, white and black costume which commands attention on the road.

Editors note: Photos are courtesy of Ultra Carnival, Luxe Carnival, Epic and Novali Mas