The rain continues and according to my gauge, over six inches have fallen since Saturday April 14th. As everyone says, “it always rains for Carnival” and this year is no exception.

 St. Thomas’ Carnival celebration kicked off Wednesday at noon with the official opening of the food fair at Emancipation Garden. Shortly after 4:00 am this morning, J’ouvert began as semi trucks loaded with musicians and speakers, lead revellers dancing through the rain down Veterans Drive to Carnival Village. J’ouvert is believed to have started on the island of Trinidad. The word, from the French words “jour” and “ouvrir,” translates roughly to mean “day open.” Tonight is the Calypso Competition; Friday the Children’s Parade; Saturday the Adult Parade, followed by fireworks, the “Calypso Spectakula” and the “Last Lap” around Carnival Village from midnight to 2 am.

What does this have to do with St. John? It is a warm up for our much smaller but equally as festive July 4 Carnival Celebration, and an excuse to play since the Government offices and banks closed at noon on Wednesday and don’t re-open until Monday, April 30. Spring has sprung and the fun has begun so don’t pay attention to the 23 degree F temperature on our website. We are experiencing technical difficulties…must be the rain.

Karye

Filed under: General