St. Thomas J’ouvert 2018: Paint, Rain And Mas

ST. THOMAS — Gray clouds filled the early morning skies, blocking out most of the heat to create a sensationally chilly and wet J’ouvert Morning celebration on Thursday. The streets were filled with people dancing with their heads up and smiling through the mist of rain, foam and powder.

Legions of Virgin Islands flags were wrapped and dragged in foam, paint and sweat as Mas moved its way up the streets. Of course, the territorially iconized “Fete Like Scot” t-shirts and other lineman-inspired costumes could be seen in the crowd as locals, visitors and those living abroad brought the streets of Downtown Charlotte Amalie to life.

The early morning downpours were greeted by hundreds of shower caps, covered in streaks of paint and adult beverages. St. Thomas’s April Carnival celebration is often met with seasonal rains that sometimes disrupt events. But the rain on Thursday morning was a pleasant invitation for those who showed up to fete for the annual event.

Press Play offered unlimited libations, brunch servings, a dedicated fete pack (t-shirt, libation bottle, rag, bag) and apparently treated members of the troupe with a block party after the tramp. DJ Cypha reppeared at this year’s J’ouvert alongside other acclaimed artists such as Deli Banger, Swanks and The Th3rd.

VI flags repurposed as masks, capes, and props could be seen throughout the streets with confetti falling as revelers popped open canisters. The display this year was colorful, energetic and filled with pride. Even the migrating seagulls that arrive in St. Thomas every April were coated in paint, foam and power from Thursday morning’s fete.

While the tramp was shorter than most in the past, there were those who took the opportunity to let their hair down. Tiffany Roach, a St. Thomian living in Atlanta said, “This year was short but I definitely had a blast!” J’ouvert and the trucks fueling it, powered down the road, starting at the now condemned Addelita Cancryn Junior High School and ending at the Carnival Village.

“I think I really needed to come back home and just enjoy myself and spend time with my family after everything that happened,” Ms. Roach added. Press Play Troupe was hosted by the Grammy nominated R. City. The electric troupe paraded down Veteran’s Drive drenched in rain and covered in foam. Partygoers danced from 4:00 a.m. under clouded skies, strobe lights, and blaring music. Press Play Troupe showed up in the Consortium’s video coverage of J’ouvert Thursday.

Carnival Kaleidoscope J’Ouvert Troupe asked onlookers to join them, “as we celebrate 5 Fabulous Years of Fetin’!” Two people were offered the opportunity to fete with the entourage after tickets were announced as sold out. VIYA announced that the winners were Kaisha David, and Maya Matthew. The neon green t-shirts with the word “Kaleidoscope” printed in bold flooded the four lanes of waterfront.  Men, women and children wearing VIYA branded backpacks and apparel danced and drank down the J’ouvert route.

United in pride and possibly even gratitude from the events of September, partygoers remained morally edified as the morning progressed. This Carnival season has been remarkably peaceful, as the VIPD and other government agencies ramped up their efforts to keep the celebration safe and free of mishaps. Needless to say, this year’s J’ouvert was short, sweet and VI certified.