The Territory’s three annual Carnival celebrations has wrapped.
Headlined by Grammy Award-winning R&B artist Ashanti and soca group Kes the Band, the weeklong celebration celebrated the rich culture and heritage of St. John with commemorations of Emancipation Day, Independence Day, and America’s 250th anniversary.
Virgin Islands talent took center stage throughout Celebration Village, which honored musical icon Tishelle Knight. There were standout performances from Pressure Busspipe, Th3rd, Hunter, Big Shaw, Temisha, Monea, Pumpa.
“Virgin Islands Carnivals capture the spirit and vibrancy of the entire Caribbean while celebrating the cultural pride that unites us,” Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King shared. “I am incredibly proud of the Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals teams for their outstanding collaboration and the remarkable execution of another unforgettable St. John Celebration.”
Additional highlights included the crowning of Miss Elizabeth Ferrell as the 2026 St. John Celebration Queen, as well as performances by some of the Caribbean’s biggest names in soca, reggae, bouyon, and calypso, including Tarrus Riley, Mr. Killa, Lyrikal, Reo, Lady Lava, Edwin Yearwood & Krosfyah.
