St. Thomas Carnival
Little drummers on the Rising Stars float at St. Thomas Carnival; (c) USVI Tourism
Though it began in 1912, the event was not annualized until 1952. Carnival embodies the vibrancy of life in St. Thomas and most of the Caribbean. Having the largest population in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, St. Thomas has always been the leader of V.I. Carnival.
V.I. Carnival in St. Thomas is usually celebrated from mid-April to the beginning of May. This cultural event includes jump-up parades with beautifully colored costumes, floats, live bands, beauty contests and other exciting competitions.
Celebrations include a middle-of-the-night j’ouvert parade that ends at sunrise with the burning of a straw King Momo, cleansing sins and bad luck.
It is rich costumes, the sound of steel drums, and people dancing in the streets. Parades featuring Calypso shows are a remarkable celebration of freedom.
It is also the sound of Johnny Cakes frying, the smell of local hot sauce, and the taste of Vienna cake that you find at the food fair.
Impeccably costumed for their dance routine in St. Thomas Carnival; (c) USVI Tourism
Since then, the V.I. Carnival has been a time to reconnect with family and friends and enjoy the captivating music, vivacious dance, savory cuisine, and remarkable pageantry that make V.I. Carnival one of the most popular celebrations in the Caribbean.
The streets are filled wall-to-wall with parade dancers, lots and celebrants.
Usually a month long event from early April to early May, the kickoff event takes place around Market Square and features many performances by local and regional Caribbean musical artists. J’ouvert Warmup, ‘Rum, Powder and Mas,’ takes place on the Weymouth Rhymer Highway.
Other activities planned include a motor boat race at the waterfront, where high-end vessels race for big cash prizes.
Children getting in on the fun at St. Thomas Carnival; (c) USVI Tourism
As you might imagine the adults parade is not suitable for young children. The answer is Children’s Parade one day before the Adults’ Parade. No one misses out on the fun.
Additional attractions for the Carnival season include the Soca Monarch Village, Food Fair and the Cultural Day where people celebrate different aspects of Virgin Islands tradition and culture. Carnival Village, free to the public, opens at the Fort Christian Parking Lot and includes musical entertainment.
In case you have enough vacation time and plan to island-hop in USVI, there are three Carnival events (St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix) to choose from, with each island celebrating at different times of the year.