A First-Timer’s Guide for St. Thomas Carnival: Jouvert, Dancing, Costumes, and More

Traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands for Carnival is an experience like no other. For a first-time Carnival goer, the vibrant costumes, lively music, and mouth-watering local food will leave an indelible mark. Sadly, I missed the St Croix Carnival back in December, so I was looking for ways to still participate in the Carnival experience Virgin Islands style. I was pleased to find an easy and exciting way to get from St Croix to St Thomas, I highly recommend taking the Seaborne Seaplane.

History of Carnival and Jouvert

Before diving into the festivities, it’s essential to understand the history of Carnival. Carnival in St Thomas has a rich history dating back over 200 years. When Europeans began colonizing the Caribbean in the 16th century, they brought Carnival with them. The festival has roots in the French colonial tradition of masquerade balls and was introduced to the islands by immigrants from Trinidad and Tobago in the early 20th century. Over time, Carnival evolved into a cultural celebration of dance, music, and costumes that honored African traditions and highlighted the unique cultural heritage of the Caribbean.

Jouvert, which translates to “daybreak,” is a highlight of Carnival. It’s a pre-dawn parade that takes place on the streets of St Thomas, where revelers dress in all-white and cover themselves in mud, oil, or paint. The idea behind Jouvert is to let go of inhibitions and embrace the spirit of Carnival fully. The parade starts at 4 am, and you can expect to dance to the sounds of soca and calypso music for hours.

Colorful Costumes

One of the highlights of Carnival is the colorful costumes worn by participants in the parades. The costumes are often inspired by Caribbean culture and history, they are typically adorned with feathers, sequins, and beads. Some of the most elaborate costumes are worn by mas bands or “troupes” as locals say which are groups of revelers who dance and parade through the streets together.

The designs are inspired by the island’s flora and fauna, as well as reggae, soca, and calypso music. The costumes are often handmade and can take months to complete.

 

Dancing  

Dancing is a central part of both Carnival and Jouvert. Carnival is a time to let loose and have fun. Whether you’re participating in the parade or watching from the sidelines, you’ll find it impossible not to dance. The music is infectious, and the energy is electric. You’ll see high-energy dancing and happy faces everywhere you turn. Don’t be afraid to join in on the fun; the locals are friendly and welcoming.

Food

And when it comes to food, Carnival offers a wealth of options. You can sample traditional Caribbean cuisine such as stewed goat, conch fritters, and johnnycakes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some of the local drinks like rum punch, passion fruit juice, or bush tea. There are also plenty of food vendors selling snacks like popcorn, cotton candy, and fried dough. Make sure to try a “Pate,” a local pastry filled with spicy meat or fish, a true delicacy of the Virgin Islands.

STX to STT

Getting from St Croix to St Thomas is easy with the Seaborne Seaplane. The seaplane takes off from Christiansted Harbor on St Croix and lands at the Charlotte Amalie harbor on St Thomas. The flight only takes about 20 minutes, and the views are spectacular. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of the turquoise waters and lush green islands. Plus, the convenience of avoiding the longer ferry ride is a big plus. The ferries are always still an option too though.

Steel Drum Orchestras

I love the steel drums, so a highlight of my Carnival experience was seeing the St Thomas Junior Allstars Steel Orchestra and Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra. Both groups are made up of musicians of all ages, Steel Band Orchestras are an institution in St Thomas. Their music is infectious, and the rhythm will have you dancing in no time. These Steel Orchestras’ performances are a must-see and capture the essence of Carnival.

Conclusion

In conclusion, traveling from St Croix to St Thomas for Carnival is an experience that shouldn’t be missed. Jouvert, colorful costumes, dancing, and local food are just a few of the highlights that make this festival so special. Be sure to keep in mind the stunning fireworks display that marks the end of the festival, illuminating the Harbor of Charlotte Amalie and providing a spectacular finale to the festivities. So pack your bags, bring your dancing shoes, and get ready to experience something that truly does bring color to life.