This July, St. Lucia hotels are offering travelers a variety of ways to celebrate Lucian Carnival, the premier cultural event of the year celebrating the island’s African and Catholic heritage, with promotional deals up to 50 percent off standard rates.

The St Lucia carnival takes place July 13-19, and offers visitors the opportunity to live likes locals as they experience a week filled with parties, competitions and exhibitions, such as the King & Queen of the Band competition, Junior Carnival, J’ouvert and the Parade of the Bands.

“A visit during Carnival season is an experience unlike any other, where travelers have the opportunity to become immersed in the Saint Lucian culture one song at a time,” said Tracey Warner-Arnold, St Lucia’s deputy director of tourism. “As Carnival continues to grow in tourist popularity, the Saint Lucia Tourist Board in conjunction with our hotel partners are primed to welcome visitors from across the globe.”

Anse Chastanet’s “Sizzling Carnival” package is offering one night free to guests who book a four night stay at the resort, and two nights free to those who book a seven night stay.

Rates start at $375 per couple, per night in standard accommodation, with the option to add breakfast and dinner for $180 per couple, per day, or the option to add an all-inclusive meals and drinks package for $340 per couple daily.

The package is currently available for booking for travel from July 15 through October 31, 2016.

Capella Marigot Bay is featuring a “Carnivaliscious” vacation package, including a welcome amenity, access to Personal Assistant services and an in-room refreshment center.

Rates start at $225 per couple, per night, for a savings of 50 percent off standard rates.

Guests can book now for travel through December 19.

With La Haut’s “Carnival 2K16 Great Escape,” guests will receive 30 percent off all room categories when they book by July 11 for travel through July 24, 2016.

Calabash Cove Resort & Spa is another among the hotel’s offering special deals during this period, with rates starting at $416 per night, based on double occupancy, for a savings of 50 percent off standard rates.

Booking is available through June 30 for travel through September 30, 2016.

— Dana Niland