Reveler participates in VI Carnival Adults Parade in St. Thomas in April, 2019 Photo Credit: Kareem ALEXANDER FOR VI CONSORTIUM
Plans for Carnival Virgin Islands in St. Thomas in April and May are now well advanced, the Dept. of Tourism, Division of Festivals has announced.
The festival division made known Thursday that the 68th anniversary of the St. Thomas spectacular, whose slogan is 'All Eyes on We for 2020', will be a celebration of the territory's culture, cuisine, history, music, and people.
This year marks the first time the event, which runs from April 4 to May 3, 2020, is being managed and produced by the Division of Festivals, which has added new events to the calendar.
Meanwhile, the VI Carnival Committee plans on taking the government to court over trademark rights for "VI Carnival" and "St. Thomas Carnival", even as the Division of Festivals has changed the name around to "Carnival VI". It remains to be seen how the pending court battle will unfold, as the VI Carnival Committee has contended that the changing around of titles would not be sufficient.
But Dept. of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte and Div. of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull, have no time to wait on potential court proceedings; the major festivities in the territory's capital are just around the bend.
J'ouvert Warmup, 'Rum, Powder and Mas,' takes place on April 25 at 5 a.m on the Weymouth Rhymer Highway, beginning at the intersection at Cost-U-Less and ending at Fort Mylner.
On April 26, there is a full day of activities planned, including a motor sports/boat race at the waterfront where high-end vessels race for cash prizes totaling $20,000.
Mr. Turnbull said every opportunity to deliver a memorable carnival season to the people of the Virgin Islands is being explored.
"The events we've planned should ensure that people of all walks and stages of life are engaged in the Carnival," he said.
The kickoff event takes place on March 7 at Market Square and features performances by Spectrum Band, Calypso Monarch contestants and other local and regional artists.
Additional attractions for the season include the Soca Monarch Village, Food Fair and the Cultural Day where groups and individuals celebrate different aspects of Virgin Islands tradition and culture. The Children's Parade on May 1 and the Adults' Parade on May 2 will remain key fixtures for this year's celebrations.
The Carnival Village, which is free to the public, opens at the Fort Christian Parking Lot on April 24 and highlights top-class entertainment from the territory and the wider region, including the likes of Pumpa, Adam O, Farmer Nappy, Lyrikal, Nadia Batson, Ricardo Dru, Teddyson John and Morgan Heritage.
Other carnival highlights include the Prince and Princess Show on April 12, Toddlers Derby and Best Dressed Doll on April 19, and on April 22 the Stanley and the Sleepless Knights Tramp.
The schedule will be updated with more innovative events in the coming weeks.
