Carnival (St. Thomas)

St. Thomas' Carnival is several days of all-out frivolity. Those in-the-know say the island's Carnival is second only to Trinidad's in scope and notoriety, and if you want to fully experience Thomian culture, you can't miss it.

The Carnival village and food fair usually opens in downtown Charlotte Amalie on the Friday before the last week of April. But the official party begins with J'Ouvert, an early morning parade the last Thursday of April when residents and visitors strut through the streets behind their favorite carnival bands. The little ones show off their stuff during the Children's Parade, then it's the adults turn on that Saturday. All three days feature pounding music, spirited dancing and intricately made costumes.

The Carnival parades and J'Ouvert are free to enjoy, but there are plenty of parties throughout the week (and for the month prior) that charge for admission. You can visit St. Thomas' Carnival site for more information on the planned events.