St. Thomas Carnival 2025 Dates Announced: Parades, J’ouvert, and Village to Highlight Festivities

The annual celebration will feature Panorama, Village Nights, J’ouvert, and two grand parades, drawing thousands of visitors and locals for a week of revelry and rich Virgin Islands heritage.

  • Staff Consortium
  • January 31, 2025
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St. Thomas Carnival 2022. Photo Credit: REEMY-REEMZ PHOTOGRAPHY| V.I. CONSORTIUM

The V.I. Department of Tourism and the Division of Festivals, an arm of DOT, have officially announced the dates for the 73rd annual St. Thomas Carnival, set to take place from April 27 to May 3, 2025.

The week-long festival, known for its vibrant display of culture, music, food, and revelry, is expected to draw thousands of visitors and residents alike. Carnival 2025 will feature a mix of traditional pageantry, pulsating soca beats, and cultural showcases, culminating in two grand parades through Charlotte Amalie—one for children and another for adults.

According to DOT, Carnival 2025 will bring together some of the most anticipated events that have defined the festival for generations. From the Queen and Princess Pageants to the high-energy Calypso Monarch competition, each event promises to highlight the artistic and cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands.

Among the major attractions is the Panorama steel pan showcase, where talented musicians will deliver soulful renditions of Caribbean classics. The J’ouvert Sunrise event on May 1 will once again be one of the biggest highlights, with revelers hitting the streets before dawn, covered in paint and powder, dancing to the infectious sounds of local and regional bands.

Carnival Village, known for its free nightly concerts, will showcase some of the biggest names in local, regional, and international music. The village will also serve as the hub for authentic Virgin Islands cuisine, arts, and crafts, allowing attendees to indulge in the flavors and creativity of the territory, DOT said.

The official Carnival 2025 schedule includes a mix of cultural competitions, musical showcases, and street parties leading up to the highly anticipated parades and fireworks grand finale on May 3.

Key Dates and Events

  • April 12 – Princess Show (4:00 p.m.)
  • April 19 – Queen Show (7:00 p.m.)
  • April 20 – Toddler’s Derby, Best Dressed Doll, & Easter Sunday Funday (12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.)
  • April 21 – Hospital Show (6:00 p.m.)
  • April 26 – Calypso Monarch (8:00 p.m.)
  • April 27 – Boat Race (10:00 a.m.), Panorama (6:00 p.m.)
  • April 28 - May 3 – Village Nights (7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.)
  • April 30 – Food Fair (11:00 a.m.)
  • May 1 – J’ouvert Sunrise
  • May 2 – Children's Parade (11:00 a.m.)
  • May 3 – Adult’s Parade (10:00 a.m.), Fireworks (9:00 p.m.)

 

Tourism officials anticipate another record-breaking year, with thousands expected to travel from neighboring islands, the mainland U.S., and beyond to experience the energy and cultural richness of St. Thomas Carnival.

"I am excited to invite everyone, from neighboring islands, the mainland U.S., the diaspora across the world, and lovers of sun, sea, and culture to join us for the 2025 St. Thomas Carnival," said DOT Commissioner Joseph Boschulte.

He added, "As St. Thomas Carnival continues to grow in size and notoriety, this year, we are preparing to host an invigorating week-long celebration, highlighting our rich culture, picturesque island, and beautiful people."

The St. Thomas Carnival parades, which feature thousands of costumed masqueraders dancing through the streets, remain one of the most anticipated spectacles of the festival. The Adult Parade on May 3 will serve as the grand finale, followed by a fireworks display over the Charlotte Amalie harbor.

Beyond the revelry, St. Thomas Carnival also provides a major economic boost, benefiting local vendors, hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.

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