Sunday April 27 to May 3 set for 73rd annual festival

The countdown is on for one of the Caribbean’s most spirited celebrations as the 2025 St. Thomas Carnival has officially been scheduled for April 27 to May 3, bringing with it a vibrant showcase of culture, music, food, and pageantry.

Now in its 73rd year, the St. Thomas Carnival continues to be a cornerstone of cultural pride in the U.S. Virgin Islands, drawing thousands of visitors annually from across the region, mainland United States, and around the world.

Organized by the Division of Festivals under the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, this year’s weeklong celebration promises a dynamic blend of tradition and modern Caribbean flair.

“Our Carnival is more than just a festival,” said Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of Tourism for the U.S. Virgin Islands. “It’s an expression of who we are as a people. As St. Thomas Carnival continues to grow in size and notoriety, we’re preparing an invigorating experience that highlights our rich culture, picturesque island, and beautiful people.”

Signature Events Return

Attendees can expect all the beloved traditional highlights, including the Queen and Princess Pageants, the ever-competitive Calypso Monarch contest, and the crowd-favourite Pan-O-Rama, featuring steelpan performances that blend musical excellence with Caribbean soul.

One of the major attractions is the island’s legendary J’ouvert, a pre-dawn street party where revelers dance through the streets in paint, powder, and pure joy to the rhythms of soca, calypso, and local bands.

The Carnival culminates in a show-stopping parade through Charlotte Amalie, the historic capital of St. Thomas. The procession features thousands of masqueraders in dazzling costumes and feathered regalia, dancing to infectious beats along a two-mile route, creating a kaleidoscope of colour and energy.

Free Concerts and Cultural Delights

One of the Carnival’s standout features is the Carnival Village, a nightly entertainment hub offering free live concerts from top local, regional, and international performers. Previous years have featured soca stars, reggae legends, and rising calypso talents lighting up the stage in electrifying performances.

Equally enticing is the Food Fair, where local chefs and vendors serve up the best of Virgin Islands cuisine—from kallaloo to pate, roasted pork to johnny cakes. Arts and crafts booths will showcase handmade goods, jewelry, and visual art reflecting the unique creativity of the island’s artisans.

Also returning are the St. Thomas Carnival Boat Races, another exciting tradition that attracts both local participants and maritime enthusiasts.

A Festival for Everyone

As the Virgin Islands builds momentum in cultural tourism, Boschulte emphasized the inclusive nature of Carnival: “Whether you’re a first-time visitor, a returning diaspora member, or a Carnival connoisseur, you’ll feel the magic of our celebration the moment you arrive.”

With stunning beaches, rich history, and a festival atmosphere unmatched in the Caribbean, the 2025 St. Thomas Carnival offers an ideal opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the heart of Caribbean culture.

For updates and travel information, visitors are encouraged to check the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism website or follow their social media channels.

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