The 70th edition of Carnival Virgin Islands is set for April in St Thomas, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The popular festival will be held this year from April 27 to May 1, 2022, under the theme “A New Cultural Roogadoo for Carnival 2022.”

The event, which will be scaled down due to the constraints of the pandemic, will “shine a spotlight on the Territory’s dynamic culture, cuisine, history, music and people.”

The event comes after the USV recently held the successful Fete.Vibe.Soca event for vaccinated patrons over President’s Day Weekend. 

“The vibe continues in Rock City this spring,” said Ian Turnbull, director of the USVI Division of Festivals. “We are finalizing plans to promote and advance the Territory’s culture through the return of carnival and festivals in 2022.”

This year’s Carnival will have four village nights in honor of the late Ron de Lugo, who was the longest-serving Delegate to the US House of Representatives for the USVI. 

Carnival Virgin Islands will include a special J’ouvert celebration; a re-crowning of the USVI’s first carnival queen, Carmen Sibilly; a food fair, a boat race and a calypso showcase. 

That’s along with a Children’s Village and a “virtual costume competition” for children. 

It’s the latest pandemic-era event for the USVI, which has been the region’s most innovative festival organizer in the age of the pandemic. 

“As we emerge from the challenges presented by the pandemic, it is inspiring to witness the passion of our community as we restart and re-energize the spirit of Carnival in the Virgin Islands,” said Joseph Boschulte, USVI Tourism Commissioner.