Big celebration in the making for Nine Nights 10th anniversary

The organizing committee for the Nine Nights of Lights met a rough time leading up to the event’s ninth anniversary, but they pulled through despite the challenges, and have signalled their intention to make a big showing for next year’s tenth anniversary.

On Sunday, December 15, 2024, the Botanic Gardens was, for the ninth consecutive year, washed in a dazzling display of lights for the official opening of the Nine Nights of Lights. This year’s events features a photo booth on the main walkway of the Gardens, as well as various holiday-themed word signage and an ‘I Love St Vincent and the Grenadines’ display.

Chairperson of the Nine Nights Committee, Kalisha Solomon described the preparation leading up to the opening as a challenge.

“2024 has been a year of challenges for all Vincentians. We went through a lot but as it says in our national anthem, ‘whatever the future brings, our faith will see us through’ … we are here

once again to celebrate a Botanical Christmas. What started as an idea in 2015 has now grown into this event that you see before us tonight.”

In his address, Chairman of the Board of the National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority (NPA), Gideon Nash, said they were under tremendous pressure following the passage of Hurricane Beryl back in July. With 14 sites to manage, including the Botanic Gardens, the NPA was forced to put in long hours to rehabilitate the sites in preparation for the 2024/25 cruise season as well as the Nine Nights of Lights celebration.

“Hurricane Beryl played a significant role in the challenges that we are facing

in regards to lights tonight. In the aftermath of Beryl, National Parks Rivers and Beaches faced the challenges of restoring sites.”

He said in light of two notable celebrations in 2025 – 10th anniversary of the Nine Nights of Lights, and the 260th anniversary of the existence of the Botanic Gardens, “Next year will be a big celebration for the 260th anniversary of the Gardens and 10th year for nine nights of lights. This event, much like Nine Mornings, has become a hallmark of Vincentian culture. Together these two signature events embody the hearts and souls of our nation, blending tradition, creativity and community spirit in ways that captivate both locals and visitors alike,brings patrons from across the region and beyond.”

Tonight’s event is the Pajama Movie Night, while Saturday, December 21, will be the Kids Fun Night. Sunday 22 will feature entertainment from the Bowmans and Friends, and the closing night, Monday, December 23, will be the Night of Praise.