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Carnivals & Festivals

Each of our island carnivals is one heck of a party.

Marvel at costumes that are heavy enough to be supported by wheels and soar as tall as a house. Watch moko jumbie dancers whose stilts are taller still. See parades of people dancing for hours, transported by calypso and soca music blasted from colorful floats by local bands. And catch the competitions for Calypso King and other carnival royalty. It’s all launched by J’Ouvert, a wild sunrise street dance. You’ll discover that our various carnivals celebrate everything from freedom to the joy of Christmas and hope for the coming new year.

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Carnivals & Festivals

V.I. Carnival

A party so big it embraces St. Thomas for weeks, this April through May celebration includes a waterfront J’Ouvert street dance around bands on trucks, huge children’s and adults’ parades with elaborate costumes, a food fair, and a carnival village that holds calypso and reggae nights while serving food and drink nonstop.

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Crucian Christmas Festival

This celebration has roots in the days when slaves joined in Christmas celebrations, as well as Puerto Rico’s celebration of Three Kings Day. From late December through early January in Frederiksted, enjoy J’Ouvert, a parade, food and music.

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St. John Carnival

Smaller and more intimate than other carnivals, this event marks the end of slavery on the islands on July 3, 1848, as well as the founding of the United States on July 4, 1776. Its parade is just as fun, albeit smaller than others. And the lines for food and drinks are shorter!

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Agriculture and Food Fair (Agrifest)

St. Croix is the largest and flattest of the U.S. Virgin Islands, making it ideal for agriculture. This late-May festival is dedicated to agricultural heritage, featuring displays of local fruit, produce, livestock, and arts and crafts. You’ll also find hearty helpings of traditional dishes, such as fish and fungi (similar to polenta), stew conch, pates (fried pastries stuffed with seasoned ground meat) and Johnny cakes (fried dough).

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St. Croix Jump Ups

During these mini carnivals held in Christiansted four times a year, the streets are closed to vehicles and filled with people, a variety of vendors and music. The biggest Jump Up is held annually on Valentine’s Day.

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Mango Melee

This early-July celebration of the marvelous mango is held annually at St. George Village Botanical Garden. It features chefs and mixologists using the golden-fleshed tropical fruit in every way imaginable, plus a mango-eating contest and music by top local bands.

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St. Patrick’s Day Parade

It might seem odd to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on this island in the Caribbean, but it’s a parade and party that has been held annually in Christiansted for more than 50 years. Come join the fun, Irish or not.

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