There’s always a good reason to book a Virgin Islands villa and participate in seasonal activities on the island of St. John, and one of the most fun reasons is just around the corner.

You can’t say you’ve really partied until you’ve taken part in Carnival in the Caribbean, and one of the very best celebrations every year is the St. John Festival.   The party lasts for more than a month, starting at the beginning of June.  Quality St John villa rentals by owner go quickly this time of year, so reserve your Caribbean private villa today, and get ready to enjoy yourself.

Plan to be there from Friday July 1 to Monday, July 4th for the best of the best of the party, when the St. John Festival reaches its peak with concerts, parades and fireworks.

The reason for the celebration is Cultural Day, which happens on Sunday, July 3rd.  It marks the emancipation of the US Virgin Islands in 1848, and celebrates everything about the islands, their culture and history.

On July 3rd, head to Franklin Powell Park at 2:00pm for a re-enactment of the emancipation.   All afternoon, local musicians will perform quelbe, the folk music of the US Virgin Islands, and there will be traditional dances as well.  You can shop at the stalls selling local arts and crafts, and the St. John museum sets up a display of some of the historic artifacts from the islands past.   That night, you can take part in the flambo torch parade through Cruz Bay.

On Monday, July 4th, get up early for J’Ouvert (from the French jour ouvert, which means day break).  This is always the biggest celebration of any Carnival, whether you’re in New York, London’s Notting Hill or in Trinidad.  The same is true here in St. John.
The party starts before sunrise, as thousands of people gather in Cruz Bay to follow the calypso and soca bands through the streets.   Meet at the Virgin Islands National Park Visitor Center.    Participants dress up in colorful costumes, some as tiny as bikinis, others large and elaborate and beautiful.   Watch out for the moko jumbies, who are dancers on stilts.

The day will end with a spectacular fireworks display over Cruz Bay Harbor.   Watch from the beach, the patio of one of Cruz Bay’s great restaurants, or recline on the private deck of your St. John vacation rental with a glass of wine, and watch the show light up the Caribbean skies above you.