Nine Mornings celebrations begin at around 3 or 4 in the morning — long before sunrise. The streets of Kingstown and towns across the island fill with people in good spirits, street food vendors firing up their stoves, musicians playing steel pan and soca, and the wonderful smell of local snacks like black pudding, roasted peanuts and sweet bread wafting through the night air.
The tradition is thought to have started over 100 years ago as a way for devout Catholics to celebrate the nine mornings before Christmas — a period known as Advent. People would attend early-morning church services and then gather in the streets afterwards to socialise. Over time, the street gatherings grew bigger, louder and more festive, transforming into the beloved tradition it is today.
Each of the nine mornings has a slightly different character. Some nights feature bicycle rides through the darkened streets with hundreds of decorated bicycles lit up with colourful lights. Others feature serenading — groups of musicians moving from neighbourhood to neighbourhood playing and singing. Special foods, games and local entertainment keep the celebrations going right through till dawn.
For Vincentian children, Nine Mornings is a magical time. Being allowed to stay up all night (or wake up at 3am) feels like the most exciting adventure of the year. Grandparents, parents and children all participate together, sharing stories, eating treats they would not normally have and dancing in the street in their pyjamas or fancy clothes. It is a festival that truly belongs to everyone.