“Knight’s Ville” Opens on St. John as Celebration Honors Tishelle Knight’s Cultural Legacy

The 2026 St. John Celebration officially opened Sunday with the traditional Carnival Village ceremony, naming this year’s Village “Knight’s Ville” in honor of Tishelle Knight, whose contributions to Virgin Islands music and culture were recognized by government officials, family members and community leaders. Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King said Ms. Knight’s voice “has defined the soundtrack of these islands for decades.” “Her voice doesn’t just fill a room, it fills your soul,” she said in her opening remarks. The evening’s proceedings began with Ms. Knight’s mother, Sonia, performing the national anthems of the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She later credited the family’s musical legacy for her daughter’s talent. “Mommy is so proud of you,” she said, while speaking briefly about Ms. Knight’s musical ability. Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett said St. John is an island “that knows how to hold history and celebration together at its heart,” noting that Virgin...