Heads Up: STT Carnival is NOT In April for 2011 -- May 4-7

Typically it is the last week of April, but when Easter is late, it pushes it into May. This occurs every few years.

After six months of living in St Thomas, we are thinking that we should check out this Carnival we've been hearing something about. We have tomorrow (Sunday the 1st) and Wednesday the 4th to do it. Any suggestions? It would just be myself and my boyfriend since we have no children. We'd be interested in what would be fun for grown ups. I've been looking at the events on line, but really have no idea about any of it! *-) All advice appreciated.

Tomorrow, Sunday, are the boat races. Wednesday would be the Food Fair. I would think would be more fun: both are traditional. Any night during the week the Carnival Village is open. This is where all the action is.

I agree with Ronnie. The Boat Races are fun along the Waterfront. Last year there were so many people, we thought the island was going to tip over...lol.

During the food fair you can try local dishes & drinks that maybe you never have eaten before. For example, oxtails, goat water, etc. Plus there are vendors selling their wares. Get there early, before noon, because the good food goes fast.

Carnival Village will have entertainment and many food vendors, rides(geared toward children). Almost like a carnival would be like in the states. If you like funnel cakes, make sure you stop by the "Sweetness Booth"

Parking is tough during the boat races & food fair, because they take place during the day, I take the dollar sarfari. It's much easier. Don't have to deal with parking headaches. I park my car near the route in my neighborhood & just take them. During the night, you just have to be lucky to find a spot.

I cant imagine anybody not wanting to see some of the carnival events. If you go to the boat races you need to bring chairs so you can sit on the Waterfront and watch the action. To me the greased pole contest is a riot.

The Food Fair presents a challenge, because you have to find someplace to sit and eat since the food is take away. There will also be crafts and cultural presentations in Emancipation Garden in the afternoon. IMO carnival is one way people in the Caribbean build community, celebrate local talent, and maintain cultural traditions. I am always amazed at how hard all the participants work to perfect their craft for the community's enjoyment.

Any time you can spend enjoying some Carnival activities will be well worth it.

Thanks, everyone! I asked some of the people I know, and half of them wrinkled their noses. The other half were very enthusiastic about going! Even a couple of the ones who distained going said that they would be going at least ONE evening. The weather (and the face that it seems like forever that we've had a day off) induced a bout of laziness today, but we are going to head down this evening and check it out. I was thinking about parking around Havensight and walking. I know it'll probably be a walk, but then I'll be able to justify trying four or five food booths, right? :$) I really want to hear the steelband jamboree! Sounds like a lot of fun.

I bet the ones that wrinkled their noses & looked upon it in distain are ones that very much look forward to the Chili Cook-Off each year.

You will enjoy listening to the steel bands. Great music!

Havensite is a long walk to the Village - easier to park downtown or along the apron.

visit www.vicarnival.com for all the information, and the facebook page (disclosure: i am an admin of the fb page!) contains the village schedule as well.

The rain chased us back to Red Hook last night, but we are going to try it again Wednesday. We could have parked closer, but I always enjoy the walk along the waterfront.

Zero: We always walk from Havensight to town for big functions. It is only one mile. Sometimes we get a taxi for the way back... I'm with you VIsnorkeler- it is a great walk!(tu)

Thanks, East Ender!

Anita, what exactly do the "themes" mean for each day? I have seen the schedules, but I still feel like I don't know what to expect.

the themes are a light-hearted way of indicating past history of the bands as well as the type of music to expect. for example if you prefer a more melodic soca excursion laced with the latest hits you will go to "grown and sexy" night... for a more mature crowd of calypso lovers...

grudge match night features bands who have huge followings (or would like to!) ... pumpa and poizon aspire to the position held by the jam band. hope this helps!