History of St. Thomas Carnival

As Carnival week is coming to an end, the Village is getting all packed up and shipped out, we like to reflect on all the festivities that have happened during this eventful week. Main Street closed down shop and brought all the excitement to the streets! Bright colors filled the air as both children and adults paraded down the street in the most exotic costumes you’ve ever laid eyes on. These events last one week, and are loaded with events for all ages to enjoy. Both locals and visitors to the island fill the streets and awe over what has been happening for the past 102 years!

A lot of people ask, how did something so elaborate as the infamous Carnival start? Well, Carnival-like traditions date back to the mid 1600—1700s with European counties colonized the Caribbean Islands. They brought with them their festivities, parties and traditions like dressing up, having parties and meeting up with friends and family. These Europeans had brought slaves for their plantations and, over the years, the slaves would be exposed to the European traditions as well as having some of their own. Even though they weren't allowed to dance and sing their songs from their culture because plantation owners thought the slaves would use it as a way of secretly communicating, they still were able to pass down their customs. Over time, this morphed into a unique mix of customs and traditions that will be celebrated for years to come. 

It was a slow start getting Carnival where it is today. The first two St. Thomas Carnivals, 1912 and 1914, was when the Virgin Islands were apart of the Danish West Indies. The events that took place were much like what we celebrate today, but at a smaller volume; bands, Carnival Queen, and a parade. There was a 38 year gap between the Carnival of 1914 and the next Carnival in 1952. Holiday traditions continued for the years Carnival was absent, but it wasn’t until Ron De Lugo, a radio personality, thought it would be a good idea to bring it back! Although he was born in 1930 and never attended Carnival, he thought it would be a fun and entertaining way to bring the island’s community together. Not everybody thought that way though. People feared there would be conflict between the classes of citizens. They couldn’t have been more wrong. Carnival was a go, and it’s been running annually ever since! It’s brought the community together from all different shapes, sizes, and ages!