Trifter

Carnival in St. Thomas! Words that conjure up images of parades with amazingly beautiful costumes, Mocko Jumbies (stilt walkers), music, street dancing, delicious foods, native crafts and more. It’s a time of fun and excitement that lasts for several weeks, intensifying as the days roll past, and progressing to exhilarating non-stop action in the final days.

As fascinating as the celebration is its history. The first carnival was held in 1912, then there was a small celebration in 1914, and not another festival until 1952. It’s been going strong since that time. Carnival is a time when native dances, food, art and music is celebrated.

The festival, that typically runs from mid-April until the first week of May is currently in full swing. So far, there’s been numerous fun events: the Prince and Princess Selection Show, Queen Selection Show, Junior Calypso Competition, Toddler Derby, Latin Calypso Night, Cultural Night … and that’s just the beginning.

Five of the many popular events of St. Thomas carnival:

Cultural Fair

The main ingredient of Cultural Fair is food, and to underscore that, until a few years ago, the name of the event was Food Fair. Tables, pavilions and tents are set up in Emancipation Garden in the middle of downtown Charlotte Amalie (the capital of the Virgin Islands), and it’s wall to wall people.

Preparing Pates

African Art Display

Clothing and Jewelry Display

Because a number of the native dishes only surface at Carnival and several other times during the year, many people leave with covered plates and bags (enough to last a couple of days at least). As well as the many delectable dishes found at Cultural Fair, one might find souvenirs, plants and flowers, African art, jewelry, dolls and all kinds of crafts created in the Virgin Islands.

Calypso Revue

A two-night event when local and international (from the Caribbean, Canada, the mainland United States), Calypsonians perform. Calypsonisans (Calypso singers) are male and female (but still mostly male), who are considered the highest level of performers in the Caribbean. They are a combination of singers, poets and entertainers.

Most Calypsonians write their own songs, however the best of the best are also known for having the ability to compose and sing songs extemporaneously (on the spot). The songs are noted for stinging satire, bawdiness and humor.