Despite torrential rains, carnival was celebrated on St. Thomas this weekend.
While formalities began much earlier in the month with the Carnival Prince and Princess Selection Show April 9, the main events took place this extended weekend. In terms of carnival royalty, Temisha Libert (aka Caribbean Queen) won a back-to-back Virgin Islands Calypso Monarch title Saturday, following her St. Croix win in January. It is her fifth Calypso Monarch win overall.
St. Thomas Carnival Schedule:
- Wednesday, April 26 – Carnival Food, Arts and Crafts Fair
- Thursday, April 27 – J’ouvert
- Friday, April 28 – Children’s Parade
- Saturday, April 29 – Adult’s Parade (day) / Last Lap and Fireworks (night)
Unlike on neighboring St. Croix where carnival is celebrated early in the new year to close the Crucian Christmas Festival; St. Thomas celebrates in April; and St. John in late June / early July, overlapping with Independence Day.
- Sunday, June 18 – Princess Pageant
- Saturday, June 24 – Queen Pageant
- Tuesday, June 27 – Children’s and Adult’s Festival Villages Open
- Sunday, July 2 – Poker Run
- Monday, July 3 – Emancipation Day Program
- Tuesday, July 4 – J’ouvert (4 a.m.) / Festival Parade (11 a.m.) / Fireworks (9 p.m.)
This year was the 65th annual food, arts and crafts fair on St. Thomas. Each year the special event is named after a different honoree. The 2017 fair was named for Winifred Hilarine Rabsatt Francis, a volunteer at the fair for more than 20 years. Francis has tirelessly worked to pass along traditional West Indian cooking techniques and recipes to the next generation.
We always find good reasons to party in the islands! Whether you’re looking to purchase a place on St. Thomas or St. Croix, Chris and Kerri Hanley can help. With more than 50 years of combined real estate experience specific to the USVI market, they are the authority on Virgin Islands Real Estate. Contact them today and download their free St. Croix Event Guide, so you never miss big events like carnival: