Jouvert Morning festivities in 2019. By. REEMY-REEMZ PHOTOGRAPHY/VICONSORTIUM
Themed “A New Cultural Roogadoo for Carnival 2022”, the V.I. Dept. of Tourism, through its Division of Festivals has announced the 70th edition of Carnival Virgin Islands (St. Thomas Carnival), with events scheduled for April 27-May 1. Attendees must show proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test taken within 24 hours of each event to participate.
A release issued Thursday described the affair as a "scaled down spectacular" due to the constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic, and it will highlight 70 years of carnival while shining a spotlight on the territory’s dynamic culture, cuisine, history, music and people.
The announcement follows the successful Fete.Vibes.Soca event the Division of Festivals held on St. Croix last weekend.
“The vibe continues in Rock City this spring,” said Ian Turnbull, Division of Festivals director, who explained that the division had been established through Act 8153 by the Virgin Islands Legislature to organize and execute festivals on behalf of the territory’s government.
“We are finalizing plans to promote and advance the territory’s culture through the return of carnival and festivals in 2022,” said Turnbull, who announced that Carnival Virgin Islands will feature four village nights in honor of the late Ron de Lugo, the first and longest-serving Delegate from the United States Virgin Islands to the United States House of Representatives. Representative de Lugo gained territory-wide fame for his radio persona, the wisecracking comedian Mango Jones, as well as for appearances in local plays and benefit concerts. In 1952 he used his radio show to revive St. Thomas Carnival.
The festival will stage a specially-tailored J’ouvert celebration; the re-crowning of the territory’s first carnival queen, the gracious and talented Carmen Sibilly; a food fair; boat race; and calypso showcase. There will also be a Children’s Village in operation between April 27 and 30, and a virtual costume competition for children will be staged in conjunction with the Department of Education.
Covid-19 protocols such as mask wearing, social distancing and hand sanitization will be enforced, according to the release. Patrons attending the festivities must either show proof of vaccination or a negative result from a Covid-19 test taken within 24 hours of each event.
Dept. of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte said highlighting cultural traditions, heritage and festivals is part and parcel of the territory’s major push this year to attract visitors to the territory. “And as we emerge from the challenges presented by the pandemic, it is inspiring to witness the passion of our community as we restart and re-energize the spirit of Carnival in the Virgin Islands.”
The tourism leader reported that the department will dig deep into its marketing arsenal to creatively and effectively promote the value of a U.S. Virgin Islands vacation through music and culture. “After enjoying strong tourism success throughout the pandemic, there is no room for complacency, and promoting our cultural artistes will take center stage in the next phase of our marketing efforts. It’s who we are and who we represent as a people," he said.
Persons interested in volunteering with the Division of Festivals can email [email protected] or [email protected].
