This yr’s version of the St Thomas Carnival was, by all accounts, a giant hit.
The occasion, which kicked off with favorites just like the Calypso Monarch and Panorama, introduced in hundreds of revelers, from locals to guests, for a multi-day fete within the coronary heart of Charlotte Amalie.
“Carnival within the U.S. Virgin Islands is rising, permitting us to show our wealthy and vibrant tradition to the world,” mentioned Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Tourism. “This success is a testomony to the continued laborious work of our Division of Tourism and Division of Festivals, whose unwavering efforts to showcase our residence islands.”
The occasion included a serious look by soca legend Machel Montano, who started six nights of exhibits in St Thomas’ pageant village, joined by stars like Barrington Levy, Temisha and Spectrum band, amongst others.
“Yearly, we need to carry the very best experiences to the individuals of the U.S. Virgin Islands for carnival. We’re extraordinarily excited to proceed rising our nationwide celebrations and welcoming the world to expertise them with us,” provides Ian Turnbull, U.S. Virgin Islands Director of Festivals.
Carnival arrivals grew by greater than 27 p.c in comparison with final yr, in accordance with the Division of Festivals.
That included what officers described as “document occasion attendance.”
It’s just the start of the carnival season within the USVI, although: St John Celebration will begin up on the finish of June, one other main Virgin Islands occasion.