This year’s edition of the St Thomas Carnival was, by all accounts, a big hit. 

The event, which kicked off with favorites like the Calypso Monarch and Panorama, brought in thousands of revelers, from locals to visitors, for a multi-day fete in the heart of Charlotte Amalie. 

“Carnival in the U.S. Virgin Islands is growing, allowing us to display our rich and vibrant culture to the world,” said Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. “This success is a testament to the continued hard work of our Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals, whose unwavering efforts to showcase our home islands.”

The event included a major appearance by soca legend Machel Montano, who began six nights of shows in St Thomas’ festival village, joined by stars like Barrington Levy, Temisha and Spectrum band, among others. 

“Every year, we want to bring the best experiences to the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands for carnival. We are extremely excited to continue growing our national celebrations and welcoming the world to experience them with us,” adds Ian Turnbull, U.S. Virgin Islands Director of Festivals.

Carnival arrivals grew by more than 27 percent compared to last year, according to the Division of Festivals. 

That included what officials described as “record event attendance.”

It’s just the beginning of the carnival season in the USVI, though: St John Celebration will start up at the end of June, another major Virgin Islands event.