USVI-On-Line

Hi all,

I just stumbled upon your forum... looks like a very warm and informative place!

My wife and I will be making our 2nd trip to STJ in two weeks (yay!). Our last trip was around the same time of year and the day we left was the adult parade of Carnival on STT. We were warned by all sorts of people that we'd need to leave for the airport really early because of all the mayhem and chaos caused by the parade. We ended up making it to the airport without much trouble.

So, for our return trip I just checked on dates and sure enough it looks like the adult parade is going on the Saturday in the middle of our trip. So, my question is, since we were planning on spending a day on STT anyway (shopping and some site-seeing), would it be a good idea to head over for the parade? Will is be absolute chaos and mayhem, or will we be able to have a good time there, then head over and do some shopping?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

mje113
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

It all depends on what your definition is of "absolute chaos and mayhem." It will be VERY crowded, noisy, very hot and there are not too many good locations to view the parade without being in the direct sun all day. With that said, you will be in for a real treat of wonderful colorful costumes, troupes, Mocko Jumbies, floats, and music (Steel Bands, Calypso). I would highly recommend taking the Charlotte Amalie ferry from STJ to STT both directions. That way you are not depending on taxis. Taxis will be hard to come by in town during this time and there will be heavy traffic. You will be in the sun so take along the sun screen, and water. Go and experience Carnval there is nothing like it!!

However, it may be wiser to put aside another day for shopping and sight seeing. (that is just my opinion)

I would definitely try to get over to St. Thomas for Carnival, but keep in mind that many shops may be closed on St. Thomas that day, so you might have to forfeit some shopping to see the parade. You can take the Charlotte Amalie ferry, as BJ recommended, and walk just a few streets over to the parade. It's a beautiful display of Caribbean culture, and I say that if you're in the vicinity, you should absolutely take advantage and check it out. Have fun!