Jump up! Jump up! Put on your dancing shoes because we are heading to the 2016 St. Thomas Carnival J’ouvert. J’ouvert is an annual event that takes places along the waterfront in Downtown Charlotte Amalie. Thousands of people dance their hearts out while following behind their favorite bands.

The bands perform on a moving truck while belting out all of their favorite tunes and in some cases requested songs. High energy dancers (who are not professional dancers) are also on the truck dancing to the fast upbeat calypso music.

It is a street party in which carnival revelers wear costumes or skimpy clothes that will keep them fresh while dancing under the soon to be blazing hot sun. J’ouvert officially begins at fore-day morning at 4:00 am and ends at 8:00 am. To ensure safety, the police officers from the Virgin Islands Police Department line the roads in both uniform and casual attire.

Street Vendors set up their canopies along the J’ouvert route to sell food, drinks, snacks, carnival t-shirts and small towels. J’ouvert attendees love to wave their hand towels, bandannas or towels in the air while moving to the beat of the music. Along the way, some purchase refreshments before quickly rejoining the route and possibly following behind a different band. This event is fun, fun fun!

Once again, the theme holds true to its name because “There is Nothing More Fabulous, than Carnival in St. Thomas! The carnival events that will follow are the Children Parade and the Adult Parade. Carnival Village will remain open every night from 6:00pm-3: 00 am until April 30th.

Happy Carnival!

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