This past weekend, I joined in celebrating “Carnival” in downtown Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas – The second largest Carnival celebration in the Caribbean, behind Trinidad & Tobago. This year’s theme is “The Biggest Fete Ever Seen.” Although the first Carnival celebration in St Thomas took place in 1912, it became an annual event in 1952, and has since continued to draw and inspire the entire VI region. The celebration lasts the entire month, as special events are put on throughout the weeks. Hosting shows, live bands, parades, beauty-queen pageants, countless food booths, and a fairground full of rides and games, this celebration provides an entire array of entertainment for both “adventure-seekers”, as well as the entire family.
Kicking off last Friday was the Opening day of the “Carnival Village.” Located in the parking lot behind the historic Fort Christian landmark, the crowds gathered into the early morning hours, listening to a line-up of local bands and regional artists perform throughout the night. The night of music concluded with local music hero, “Pressure,” performing his hits until after midnight.
Along with the music, an awesome range of foods was available; from local favorites like dove-pork with macaroni and cheese, to more exotic favorites like the fried flying-fish from Barbados. And for drinking, of course, rum was not in short supply.
Be sure to NOT miss the Adult’s Parage, this Saturday at 10am!! Check out some of the colorful costumes and craziness of the day from moments of the past. To view more, be sure to CLICK HERE and check out the link to local photographer, Sage Hammond.
The rest of the Carnival schedule is detailed below, showcasing the major events and performances:
April 28, Monday – Village Entertainment continues
April 29, Tuesday 6 p.m. Pre-Teen Tramp — Rothschild Francis Square (Market Square) to Children’s Village
8 p.m. Senior Citizens’ Quelbe Tramp — Market Square to Carnival Village
April 30, Wednesday 8 a.m. Cultural Fair: Charles’ and Joe’s Flamboyant Garden, honoring Charles and Joseph Leonard — Emancipation Garden
May 1, Thursday — 12:30 a.m. Roas-A-Time (J’ouvert) Warm up — Roas-a-Time — Fort Christian Parking Lot; Roas-A-Time at 4 a.m. — Veterans’ Drive
May 2, Friday 10 a.m. Children’s Parade, Grand Marshal Alfred “Chubby” Lockhart Jr. — Rothschild Francis Square to Lionel Roberts Stadium
May 3, Saturday 10 a.m. Adults’ Parade, Grand Marshal Lubin V. “Butch” Roberts — Western Cemetery to Lionel Roberts Stadium
9 p.m. – Fireworks — Charlotte Amalie harbor
10 p.m. – 3 a.m. Calypso Spectakula/Last Lap — Fort Christian Parking Lot
Carnival hotline: (340) 690-5552
