St John Festival and Independence Day

The St John's Festival began in the early twentieth century. Residents held masquerade events while still under Danish authority. Emancipation Day, July 3rd, and the US Independence Day, July 4th, have replaced the original celebrations.

In 1945, the first formal St John Festival was held. It was a one-day festival, with food and a colorful parade, bringing people together to share and interact. The festival lasts a month and features island culture, food, music, the opening of a Carnival Village, pageantry, fireworks, a parade, and races. The honoree, US Virgin Islands Governor, and Carnival Queen cut the ribbon to begin off the St John Festival. This day also features the crowning of Ms. St John and the carnival king, as well as a fireworks display rivaling many in mainland United States cities.

When: June - July