ST. THOMAS -- Hurricane Maria did not impede the Crucian Christmas Festival, so whoever thought Hurricane Irma would have stalled the territory's carnival in Charlotte Amalie this year -- the U.S.V.I.'s premier cultural event -- must not be acquainted with the resiliency of Virgin Islanders, and the reveling spirit indwelling Caribbean people.
Yes, it's carnival in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and although some activities have already taken place -- prince and princess show, carnival at Schneider hospital, among others -- the main events will begin on Saturday with the queen show, with Village activities commencing on Friday, April 20 and ending on April 28.
Children's Parade happens on April 27, followed by Adults Parade on April 28. The VI Calypso finals takes place on Saturday, April 22 at the Lionel Roberts Stadium.
This year's Village lineup boasts some of the best names in Caribbean Soca music, including Kes (see popular video above) out of Trinidad, along with Patrice Roberts, whose mega hits this year -- including "Sweet Fuh Days" and "Like It Like This" -- are among the top played Soca songs throughout the Caribbean. Other acts include Triple Kay out of Dominica, the original Burning Flames, and of course top local bands such as Spectrum Band, Big Band, Poizon Band and Cool Sessions Brass.
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Here's the lineup (if you can't view the pdf file, there's a download link below):
