The St John Fourth of July Celebration culminates with a parade and fireworks on the 4th. The last week of events typically is the week before the 4th. St. Thomas Carnival is the last week of April.

RL

lionbarb, Carnival (or "Festival", as it is known on STJ) is ALWAYS over the month leading up to the culminating day, July 4. So, July 4 is the big event starting with the J'ouvert tramp beginning before dawn, then the parade through Cruz Bay (this includes floats, mocko jumbies on tall stilts, trucks carrying calypso bands playing their songs, tramping, etc...then the fireworks at night. There is also a ride area for the kids...and everybody loves the Food Fair....an open are where vendors set up booths and sell local dishes and drinks. This is also the area where I have seen them set up the stage for the bands to play - and popular artists come to play.

Carnival on STJ is very small and not like STT's much larger event, which, of course, is small compared to Trinidad or Rio's Carnival.

But, concept is the same and I like that i can experience a Carnival without a gazillion people around me. Though, it does get crowded in Cruz Bay.

I've hear the saying "How do you know when it's Festival time on STJ? When Cruz Bay dips down into the water". Yes, it will be crowded.

I have stayed on STJ during Carnival and have found that the rest of the island is pretty much unaffected. I don't notice any increase in crowds on the beaches or places outside of Cruz Bay. I have been in a villa near Cruz Bay and heard music on the nights leading up to July 4. It didn't bother me....but if i was looking for that total solitude and serenity STJ experience, it might have. I was less than 5 mins drive from Cruz Bay. You will not hear anything at Caneel, I'm sure.

For me, the pros would be a chance to experience the festival (food, bands, fun of the parade) and I really enjoy seeing a festival from an island perspective...the floats coming over on the barges from STT, seeing the continental transplants in the parade tramping alongside the native islanders....everyone having a good time.....the energy of the island.

Downsides...of course, crowds in Cruz Bay. But, I have found that the crowds aren't significant except for the couple of days leading up to July 4 and on July 4.

The nice thing is that if you don't wan to be bothered with crowds, just avoid Cruz Bay on July 4. But, if you want the experience, it's there for you and it really isn't crazy....just much more crowded than usual.

We always go over carnival. A great time to be on STJ. Blu says it all. Ronnie says it somewhat. Hmmmmm, it's almost carnival time so wonder what that means.

promo: Does it mean I had better start searching for Haagen Daz???

THURSDAY, JUNE 28
FESTIVAL VILLAGE OPENS
7p.m. Cruz Bay Parking Lot

ST John Festival Schedule for days to come:

TUESDAY, JULY 3
CULTURAL DAY
1p.m.Franklin Powell Park
FESTIVAL MIX
9p.m. Winston Wells Ballfield

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4
JOUVERT 4a.m.
PARADE 11a.m.
FIRE WORKS 9p.m.
Cruz Bay Harbor
Village Close1a.m.
Festival Hotlines
340-690-3692 or340- 690-1725

😉

Does anyone have pics from past carnivals to share? I'd love to see them.

www.pbase.com/promoguy101

In fact I had a cruise line's ad agency buy some of the pix of the mocko jumbies