The 2025 St. Thomas Carnival wrapped up after a week of unforgettable festivities, music, and cultural celebration that lit up the island and drew thousands of attendees from across the Caribbean and beyond.
Backed by the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, this year’s Carnival Village showcased a stellar mix of local flair and international talent—firmly cementing its place as one of the region’s must-attend events.
The Village opened with electrifying energy on Monday, April 28, as Trinidadian soca icon Farmer Nappy kicked things off with a crowd-hyping performance. The party continued to escalate with Valiant commanding the stage on Thursday, May 1, followed by an explosive set from Lyrikal on Friday, May 2. These acts joined an impressive lineup that featured heavyweights like Kes the Band, Shabba Ranks, Beenie Man, Pumpa, and local favorite Pressure Busspipe, who all contributed to a nonstop celebration of Caribbean sound and spirit.
“The success of the St. Thomas Carnival is a vital cog in our tourism wheel because it showcases the vibrant culture, talent, and spirit of the U.S. Virgin Islands to the world,” said Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. “It draws thousands of visitors, stimulates our local economy, and strengthens our brand as a premier destination for cultural tourism.”
A special highlight of the week was the live iHeartRadio broadcast of Way Up with Angela Yee direct from Carnival Village. Joined by co-hosts The Jasmine Brand, Maino, and DJ Whutever, the show gave national exposure to the festivities. Maino’s emotional reconnection with his family roots in St. Thomas struck a poignant chord with many listeners. The program featured interviews with Governor Albert Bryan Jr., Commissioner Boschulte, and artists like Pressure Busspipe, Th3rd, and Temisha, showcasing the pride and unity that Carnival inspires.
“We wanted this year’s Carnival Village to be a celebration of who we are—a vibrant, resilient, and creative people,” Commissioner Boschulte added. “With the caliber of talent on stage and the energy from our community, we delivered just that.”
From savory local cuisine and cultural showcases to high-energy performances that had crowds dancing well into the night, St. Thomas Carnival 2025 delivered a world-class experience—and set a new benchmark for what’s to come.
