The
Virgin Islands is not only known for its sun-splashed days, but also for
it’s annual carnival celebration. Virgin Islanders and visitors alike enjoy nightly calypso
concerts, performed by some of the Caribbean's finest and renowned
calypsonians. This annual
cultural event is also a time to showcase some of the Virgins Islands very
own local talents. Stadiums
are filled with reveling spectators as they gather for the much
anticipated Prince & Princess competition, Carnival Queen beauty
pageant, Steel Pan competition, Junior Calypso competition and the King
and Queen of the band costume competition. The Opening of the Carnival Village
is a time honored tradition the marks the official kick of the final week
of these festivities. Carnival is truly a jubilant time of the year
in the Virgin Islands and we would love for you to come join the fete.
Food
Fair
One aspect of the carnival celebration that can’t go unmissed is the cultural food fair. Fair-goers have the opportunity to sample some of the islands most mouth-watering cuisines. Saltfish patties, conchs, and kalaloo are just a few of the native dishes that are on sale at the fair. This all day event also includes an exhibition of the most adorned local craftwork, tropical plants, and exotic fruits. Although those attending the fair usually come with a huge appetite, there are those would rather stop by just to savor the sweet scents of island spices or to satisfy their dessert cravings with some tamarind stew, guava berries, and coconut tarts.
J’ourvert
J’ourvert, the
French word for “day break” is probably one of the most
populated affairs during the carnival season.
This event
starts as early as 4am in the morning and concludes by
12 noon. 
If you have been
taking it easy all through the carnival season, J’ourvert is truly a
time to break away and come alive in the spirit of carnival . From the
traditional steel pans to the more modern brass bands, party-goers line up
by the thousands to secure a spot behind their favorite band. Energetic
men, women and children dressed in some of the most amusing, home-made
costumes jump up in merriment to the sweet calypso tunes and steel pan
rhythms.
Carnival
just wouldn’t be carnival without the children and adults parade.
These events are the highlights of the carnival festivities.
Spectators gaze in awe as paraders take to the streets displaying
spectacular and intricately designed costumes.
Each year a carnival theme is decided on. It is then up to the
designers to create costumes that depict the theme. Costume designers take
their job very seriously. They
may begin preparing for this massive exhibition up to nine months in
advance. Carnival costumes are usually inspired by designs of the past,
present, and future. Be it a
lavished, feathered costume portraying tropical birds of paradise or an
elegant, bejeweled costume depicting great gods and goddesses, on-lookers
will certainly be marveled at the creativity, style and performances of such carnival troupes as
Intrigue
and Infernos.
There
are many activities that take place during all this celebration, such
as Boating Competitions, Horse races, along with teen and senior citizen
tramps. One must stay quiet alert in order to keep up with all that
is happening. As
this grand week of competitions and performances comes to and
end, participants and on-lookers all gather around for the grand
finale. The skies explode in a Kaleidoscope of colors as a fireworks display signals which
represents the end
of another carnival season.
Note: The United States Virgin Islands will be celebrating its 50th anniversary of Carnival this coming year, 2002. This event is slated to be the most extraordinary and spectacular celebration in the islands' Carnival history. So make your plans from now to celebrate with us in the US Virgin Islands as we show you how to jump up Island Style.
For more information, please contact our local Carnival Committee at: 1-340-776-3112.
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