St Thomas is gearing up to host the 68th anniversary of Carnival Virgin Islands.
This year’s celebration of the territory’s culture, cuisine, history, music and people bears the slogan “All Eyes on We for 2020.”
“The events we’ve planned should ensure that people of all walks and stages of life are engaged in the Carnival,” said Ian Turnbull, Director of the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism’s newly-created Division of Festivals.
This year makes the first time the event, which runs from April 4 to May 3, 2020, is being managed and produced by the Division of Festivals, which has added new events to the calendar.
The kickoff event takes place on March 7 at Market Square and features performances by Spectrum Band, Calypso Monarch contestants and other local and regional artists.
J’ouvert Warmup, ‘Rum, Powder and Mas,’ takes place on April 25 at 5 a.m on the Weymouth Rhymer Highway, beginning at the intersection at Cost-U-Less and ending at Fort Mylner.
On April 26, there is a full day of activities planned, including a motor sports/boat race at the waterfront where high-end vessels race for cash prizes totaling $20,000.
Additional attractions for the season include the Soca Monarch Village, Food Fair and the Cultural Day where groups and individuals celebrate different aspects of Virgin Islands tradition and culture.
The Children’s Parade on May 1 and the Adults’ Parade on May 2 will remain key fixtures for this year’s celebrations.
The Carnival Village, which is free to the public, opens at the Fort Christian Parking Lot on April 24 and highlights top-class entertainment from the Territory and the wider region, including the likes of Pumpa, Adam O, Farmer Nappy, Lyrikal, Nadia Batson, Ricardo Dru, Teddyson John and Morgan Heritage.
Other carnival highlights include the Prince and Princess Show on April 12, Toddlers Derby and Best Dressed Doll on April 19, and on April 22 the Stanley and the Sleepless Knights Tramp.
For more, visit Carnival VI.
— CJ
