ST THOMAS — The 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Celebration has returned with an indescribable energy! Since 1972, the revelry and celebration that Carnival brings have allowed this event to become a staple tradition in the Virgin Islands that showcases the island’s vibrant culture and spirit. This year’s theme places a spotlight on what St. Thomas Carnival is all about: culture – “Join Us on A Cultural Tour Like Never Before, St. Thomas Carnival 2024!” Beauty pageants, food festivals, calypso monarch, j’ouvert, street tramps, and parades are just a few of the main events. “I’m excited to welcome everyone to join us this year,” said Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of Tourism. “We’re preparing to make this the best Carnival yet, highlighting our rich culture, picturesque island, and beautiful people.”
Carnival kicks off on Saturday, April 13th with the Prince and Princess pageant, followed by St. Thomas Carnival Queen Show on Saturday, April 20. The winners of these highly esteemed pageants will become prominent figures representing St. Thomas throughout the entirety of the Carnival festivities. The next round of events includes the Calypso Monarch competition on Saturday, April 27, where performers are judged on crowd participation, melody, lyrics, and overall performance.
The highly anticipated Food Fair starts at 10am on Wednesday, May 1 at Crown Bay Marina. An assortment of local street foods and drinks, arts and crafts, and live music will be on display until 5pm. This year’s Food Fair Honoree is Sally George, a dedicated educator at Lockhart Elementary School for over 30 years. George founded the culturally centered retail company Karibbean Kids in 2002, specializing in cloth dolls dressed in traditional attire while incorporating local folklore. Next up is the highly anticipated foreday morning event known as J’ouvert. Seen as the official and spiritual start of Carnival, the 6am start on Thursday, May 2 is where revelers take to the streets on the waterfront dancing behind a bevy of music trucks as they party with paint, powder, water, and drinks.
All roads for Carnival lead to St. Thomas Carnival Village. Opening on April 29, this year’s village is named in honor of lifelong St. Thomas resident Malvern Gumbs. A lover of music from the tender age of 6, Gumbs has transformed this lifelong love into a professional career that spans over 25 years. From music teacher to lead vocalist and arranger of the popular Spectrum Band, this award-winning musician is deserving of this honor. All 6 nights of St. Thomas Carnival Village will offer free local and international performances, with 30+ vendors selling local foods and drinks alongside fun family-friendly rides and carnival-style games.
St. Thomas Carnival culminates with the Children’s and Adult Parades along Main Street in Charlotte Amalie on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4, respectively. Colorful carnival costumes, majorette performers, mocko jumbie dancers, and much more will take to the parade route to entertain onlookers throughout the day. For the complete carnival schedule, visit the USVI Festivals Facebook page at www.facebook.com/USVIFestivals.
Written by Anquanette Gaspard
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