St John’s Festival and Carnival season consists of celebrations which showcase the best of the caribbean culture. While each year has a different theme and somewhat different schedule, Carnival’s month long activities always culminate on the 4th of July with a parade and evening fireworks. There are activities for all including the very young and very senior. Music is always a constant throughout the month. The mocko jumbie, a shape-changing ghost-like figure, whose origins are traced to West Africa is ever present during Carnival season. The lore is that jumbies traditionally appear in the dark of night and are known for terrifying those who have misbehaved. At carnival, the jumbie customarily appears on stilts dressed in elaborate pants and jacket made of colorful silks and satins and is one of the most popular part of Carnival.

The following schedule is for the St John Carnival (aka St John Festival) for 2016:

Schedule of Events for 2016 St John Carnival:

• May 21 Festival Food Sale 2016 – 1 p.m. Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park
• June 4 Festival PAN-O-RAMA – 4 p.m. Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park
• June 18 Festival Bike Race – 8.00 AM St. John National Park
• June 19 St. John Festival Princess 2015 Pageant – 6 p.m. Wiston E. Balls Field
• June 22 – St John Festival Boat Races – 3 PM
• June 25 St. John Festival Queen 2015 Pageant – 8 p.m. Wiston E. Balls Field
• June 28 Festival Food Fair & Coronation – 3 p.m. Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park
• June 28 Festival Village Opening – 7 p.m. Cruz Bay Parking Lot Festival Children’s Village – 6 p.m. St. John National Park
• July 3 Emancipation Day – 1 p.m.. Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park; Poker Run – 12 p.m. Cruz Bay Beach Front
• July 4 Festival J’OUVERT – Sunrise: St. John National Park Festival Parade – 11 a.m. St. John National Park Festival Fireworks – 9 p.m. Cruz Bay Harbor

Rent our Villa for St. John Carnival

Every year we have villa guests who come for Carnival, and every year someone books early. Check our villa rental rates and availability calendar to book for next Carnival.

St John is wonderful to visit year round so if you love to come during Carnival season you should check out other times of year. We often offer discounts & specials so check back often. Our villa is rated the #1 St John villa on Trip Advisor. Check out why we are popular with large family gatherings, wedding groups, and groups of friends.