Explore our 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. Featured Carnivals & Festivals St. Thomas Carnival From April 23 - 30 enjoy a celebration that 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. Explore St. Thomas 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. Explore St. Croix 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! Explore St. John 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). Explore St. Croix 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. Explore St. Croix 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. Explore St. Croix 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. Explore St. Croix St. Thomas CarnivalSt. Thomas Crucian Christmas FestivalSt. Croix St. John CarnivalSt. John Agriculture and Food Fair (Agrifest)St. Croix St. Croix Jump UpsSt. Croix Mango MeleeSt. Croix St. Patrick’s Day ParadeSt. Croix More to Experience Places to Stay Things to Do Local Cuisine Shopping Outdoor Adventures Beaches Water Activities Know Before You Go All Planning Tips Image Travel Transportation As a United States Territory, travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands does not require a passport for U.S. citizens arriving from Puerto Rico or the U.S. mainland. More Health Hospitals Good hospitals with well-trained doctors and medical professionals are available on St. Croix and St. Thomas. More Sunscreen MINERAL ONLY Please use only mineral sunscreen. It's the law in the U.S. Virgin Islands. More Weather When to Visit The U.S. Virgin Islands is a year-round destination; however, you may find the best bargains on hotels and attractions during the summer months. More Cruise Ships St Thomas is the most popular cruise ship destination in the Caribbean, with more than 500 arrivals each year. These ships pull in to the West Indian Company dock in Havensight on the eastern edge of St Thomas Harbour, and to Crown Bay Marina to the West. More All Planning Tips Image