It is the last day of the 2016 St. Thomas Carnival. Therefore, the month-long festivities will soon come to an end. One of the most coveted events leading up to the grand finale is the St. Thomas Carnival Adult Parade. This high-spirited, colorful and energetic parade attracts people from around the world. There were lots to eat, drink and there was endless dancing!

The parade route was lengthy. However, performances took placed in front of the judge’s booth that was located outside the Emancipation Garden Post Office in downtown St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands. It was an all-day event filled with various dance ensembles and live musical performances by calypsonians and local bands. Although, initially there was a steady shower of rain, the weather that did not stop the carnival. The parade continued to the excitement of many onlookers.

The high energy and competitive Carnival Adult’s Parade began with Grand Marshall Ambrose Schmidt; who gave a brief speech wishing everyone a safe and happy carnival. Then Carnival Queen Karmasha Potter and her royal court Ceara Roberts and Bianca Phillips were next. The crowd waved proudly at their queen. She waved back with a big bright smile on her face that collaborated with her sparkling gown.

Shortly after, from that point forward, there was royalty from queens who won in school and island-wide pageants. Some of them were St. John Festival Queen Shanell Harney, Miss Virgin Islands Isabella Sylvester, Miss Caribbean United States Shawntay Henry, 2015 Miss St. Croix Khalifa Antoine and Miss Jr. British Virgin Islands Kairah Moolenar.

Then there was a sea of colorful feathered and bejeweled costumes that sparkled in the sun.

Participants who were wearing elaborate costumes with feathered headpieces and matching sparkling footwear were in the troupes, floupes and majorettes. The participants moved in unison and executed each step in perfection throughout their performances. It was apparent to onlookers that behind the scenes leading up to the Adult Parade there were a lot of practices.

Eventually, the Traditional Indians came down the route. Annually, this is the last performance, and it is symbolic of the end of the St. Thomas Adult’s Parade. Although the parade had just finished, the festivities were not over yet!

After the parade concluded, I returned to Carnival Village to enjoy a series of concerts. Usually, there is the Fireworks Show that takes place at 9:00 pm in the Downtown Charlotte Amalie Harbor. In which traditionally, excited carnival revelers gather around to get a first-hand look at the sparkling, colorful presentation that lights up the sky while sitting on the waterfront. However, the Fire Works Show that annually symbolizes the official end of carnival did not take place this year. According to the officials from the Carnival Committee, they did not have a sponsor for the show. Therefore, the celebration continued with live entertainment in Carnival Village.

Some of the famous music artists who performed at the concert were Jam Band, Imagination Brass, DJ Kuntry, Top Notch Band and Destra & Bacchanal Band. The massive crowd sang along to the familiar tunes, some grabbed a partner and started dancing, and others bobbed their heads with their drink in their hand. The atmosphere was lively and entertaining.

Overall, I had a blast attending the carnival events this year. It was non-stop fun that gave everyone a reason to celebrate, unite with friends and family who they haven’t seen in a while, and it was an opportunity to let loose and enjoy yourself! To all of my readers who celebrated the festivities with me, for the last time I would like to tell you, that “There is Nothing More Fabulous, than Carnival in St. Thomas,” Happy Carnival!

***Did you enjoy this post? Then leave a comment, share on social media and subscribe to the newsletter! View more pictures in the gallery. If pics are no longer there, then follow me on Instagram to access all of the Travel with Africah adventures at Instagram.com/AFRICAH_HARRIGAN***