Nine mornings festival, St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Christmas sees a festival unique to St Vincent and the Grenadines, Nine Mornings. This is when parties, music and celebrations are held each morning between 16th and 25th of December, when the whole community wakes before dawn for festivities that last until people wander off to work. The people of Owia take a communal mineral bath in Owia Salt Pond, other villages stage street musical gigs, dances and festivities.

The origins of the celebration are clouded in mystery, some linking it to Catholic Novena, early morning church services in the run up to Christmas. Others say it is a ritual that has its roots in African culture brought to the islands by slaves.

Whatever its history, Nine Mornings is a wonderful expression of culture and community that is only found on St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Find a holiday in St. Vincent & The Grenadines

Read about more events and culture on the islands