The Virgin Islands Carnival Celebration
The US Virgin Islands Carnival holiday celebration is a highly anticipated annual event, occurring on the island of St. Croix December through January, St. Thomas April through May, and St. John June through July. What an extravaganza it is! For half of the year in the Virgin Islands, festivities abound, from music galas to amusement park rides to parades with exquisite fireworks to exotic island cuisine- Carnival is an event not to miss!
Special Latin musical guests from Puerto Rico, South America and the US participate in a Latin Music Festival, complimenting the local Calypso music beats in the annual Calypso Competition.
The festival is more than great entertainment; it is a glimpse into the rich Caribbean culture of the islands. Islanders use dancing, singing, parades, pageantry, music, drinks, and food to celebrate US Virgin Islands’ freedom and history.
St. Thomas
The carnival tradition in St. Thomas began in 1912, yet it was not until 1952, when Ron de Lugo revived Carnival in St. Thomas, that it became an annual event. St. Thomas hosts the second largest Carnival cultural celebration in the Caribbean.
St. John
Carnival in St. John focuses on celebrating emancipation and independence. Though St. John has a smaller population then it's neighboring islands it always bursts with activity for Carnival. Many events are centered in the Cruz Bay area.
St. Croix
Christiansted and Frederiksted are the main cities holding Carnival events on St. Croix. The adult’s parade, often the last big event of Carnival, coincides with Three Kings Day.