Annual Christmas celebrations start early in St Vincent. From December 16th through 24th people fill the streets of Kinstown, with Parades, competitions, music food, and festive spirit.

Nine Mornings is a distinctive Vincentian celebration tied to the Christmas season. For nine mornings leading up to Christmas, Vincentians rise in the early hours to participate in various activities, including sea baths, dances (locally known as fetes), bicycle riding, and street concerts. In rural areas, the festivities typically culminate on the final morning with a lively steel band “jump-up.”

The origins of this tradition remain somewhat mysterious, though it is commonly linked to the Catholic Church’s ‘novena,’ a nine-day period of devotion before Christmas. It is believed that after attending early morning church services, worshippers took to the streets, while others opted for sea baths. Over time, this evolved into the vibrant Nine Mornings celebration. While some suggest the tradition dates back to the era of slavery, historical evidence indicates it more likely emerged after emancipation.