A Milestone Festival Just Began in St John, USVI

The food fair, the pageants, the boat races, the parties. St John Celebration, the US Virgin Island’s biggest event of the year, has kicked off its milestone 70th annual edition. 

St John Celebration began on June 8 with the popular Pan-O-Rama event, and will continue with cultural events across the month of June. 

“As we continue to grow our cultural events and welcome more visitors to join in on the festivities, we are excited to share this year’s exciting schedule for the 70th annual St. John Celebration and 126th commemoration of the Virgin Islands Emancipation,” said Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. 

Two of the event’s biggest villages, the Celebration Children’s and Festival Villages, will hold their grand opening on June 28.

This year’s musical lineup includes everyone from Wyclef Jean to Dexta Daps to Richie Spice, among others. 

“Together with our local partners and volunteers, the Division of Festivals team is excited for the launch of the 2024 St. John Celebration,” shared Ian Turnbull, Director of Festivals. “As we continue to honor the deep, rich cultural history of the island of St. John, we look forward to showcasing it to the world.”

And yes, this year’s event includes signatures like J’ouvert, Emancipation Day and the Torch Light Parade. 

It all concludes with a large-scale fireworks display in Cruz Bay on the Fourth of July. 

Are you planning to visit this year’s St John Celebration? 

Visit USVI Festivals.