7 St. Thomas Carnival Must-Dos

• Princess and Queen Shows
• Boat Race
• Pan-O-Rama
• Carnival Village
• Food Fair
• J’ouvert
• Children’s and Adult’s Parades

1. Princess and Queen Shows

Contestants exude elegance, talent and cultural pride while competing in the Princess Show on April 12 and the Queen Show on April 19 in the days leading up to the St. Thomas Carnival. Elaborately dressed youngsters charm the audience with speech, cultural wear and dance routines, hoping to become the next Princess. The captivating Carnival Queen contestants wear breathtaking costumes, perform during the talent portion of the competition and give inspiring speeches. Attend the pageants to join in an unforgettable tradition — the crowning of the contestants who best represent island culture. 

2. BOAT RACE

Head for the shoreline surrounding historic Charlotte Amalie Harbor on the morning of April 27. Here you can watch sleek, high-speed powerboats slice through the water as the captains throttle their engines in a race to snag top prizes. This fast-paced event is part of the island’s maritime tradition and a much-anticipated watch party for spectators.

3. PAN-O-RAMA

Groove to steel pan sounds during the high-energy Pan-O-Rama music competition held in the Carnival Village on the evening of April 27. Musicians of all ages vie for prizes while demonstrating their superb skills on tenor, bass, cello and other types of steel pans. It’s a lively event that highlights the rich rhythms of the island. You won’t be able to resist dancing along.

4. CARNIVAL VILLAGE

The bustling Carnival Village is the beating heart of the St. Thomas Carnival. During Village Nights, held from April 28 – May 3, evenings are filled with joyful music, spirited dancing and island flavors. The village comes alive with a stellar lineup of performances from top Caribbean artists playing reggae, soca, quelbe, Latin fusion and calypso music. Booths serve delicious local dishes, fueling festivalgoers. And families enjoy playing games amid the electric atmosphere.

5. FOOD FAIR

Taste the best of St. Thomas specialties at the Food Fair, a feast for the senses showcasing Caribbean cuisine on April 30. Smell the tantalizing aromas of freshly grilled seafood, stews, savory pates and johnny cakes. Don’t forget sweet treats like tamarind, mango and passion fruit. Locals and visitors alike gather here for the traditional dishes, to listen to live music and to shop for handmade crafts at vendor booths.

6. J’OUVERT

Wake up before dawn on May 1 when music starts blaring from bands on traveling trucks. They’re celebrating J’ouvert, which marks a day of rebirth to continue the joyous carnival celebration. Vibrant festivities feature revelers dancing through the streets to calypso, reggae and soca music — many of them adorned with colorful paint or powder. Join in and continue the party throughout the day.

7. CHILDREN’S AND ADULT’S PARADES

Watch as the island’s youngest residents proudly march in the Children’s Parade on May 2. On May 3 follow the rollicking Adult’s Parade, the carnival’s biggest event, as it winds through Charlotte Amalie. Marvel at the dazzling costumes, complete with elaborate headdresses, as masqueraders dance to local bands’ rhythms along the route. At 9 p.m. the carnival’s grand finale festivities end with fireworks exploding in the sky.

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