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.

The Mighty Sparrow

Crazy

Calypso Revue, not only for the Virgin Islands, but for all Caribbean carnivals is one of the most popular and most anticipated highlights of these celebrations. Local competitions to choose the King of Carnival takes place close to the end of the festival.

J’ouvert (pronounced J’ou-vay)

The word J’ouvert is from the French and loosely translated means pre-dawn party. And, that’s just what it is … a predawn party through the streets of Charlotte Amalie. The party begins at approximately 4:00 am while it is still dark, on the outskirts of downtown on Waterfront. The streets are closed to traffic and most downtown stores are closed until late morning, or early afternoon.

Popular bands and singers are loaded on big flatbed trucks and travel slowly one behind the other into and through downtown with their music booming from giant speakers.

Flatbed truck with Musicians

Thousands of revelers

Thousands of people tramp (dance) behind their favorite band. Many of the revelers are in costume, but most are dressed similarly in cut-offs, tank tops, gym shoes to protect toes, and carrying hand towels to catch the inevitable perspiration. Tramps generally run four-six hours. By the time the sun rises J’ouvert it is in full swing.

Adult Parade

The centerpiece of carnival, and it’s most exciting event is the Adult Parade. The parade is an extravaganza of dazzling costumes, towering Mocko Jumbies, bands, majorettes, troupes, floupes (troupes of up to 300 people), and more. The Carnival is led by the young lady selected as Carnival Queen. More than anything the parade is a music fest. It begins around 10:00 am and has been known to end as late as 9:00 pm. But nobody minds in the least.

Serious parade goers come prepared for the long haul with lawn chairs and umbrellas, coolers of beverages and food, video equipment and cameras, and anticipation of a fun and exciting experience.

Majorettes

Parade Troupe

Parade Floupe (over 200 participants)

Costume Float

Steel Band

Mocko Jumbies

Carnival Village

Aside from the ones mentioned, there are additional activities, like Carnival Village. The village is comprised of about twenty booths built as a square, and named each year to honor citizens who have consistently contributed through volunteerism to the staging of the annual festival.

Each booth owner must name and decorate his/her booth, and a winner for the most original and decorative is selected.

A stage is constructed in the center of the village and various bands play there every evening most of the night for an approximate week before the end of carnival.

The food and beverages sold from the booths are not necessarily available all year, so people often stock up. Drinks like Maube,  Soursop, and others are eagerly sought after, as are delectable dishes like Flying Fish, Kallaloo (a soup), Crab Cakes, Conch (shell fish), salt fish and beef patès, and so much more.

Finally, after nearly a month of celebrations, fantastic fireworks over St. Thomas’ harbor following the parade will bring The festival to an end for another year.

For additional articles on the U.S. Virgin Islands read:

“The U.S. Virgin Islands: America’s Paradise is a Vacation Delight”

“10 Lively Virgin Island Expressions”