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US Virgin Islands Expands Virtual Carnival into Global Spectacle

US Virgin Islands Expands Virtual Carnival into Global Spectacle

What started as a heartfelt virtual event to bring normalcy to the US Virgin Islands community has grown into an international celebration, spotlighting this Caribbean gem on the world stage.

Following the success of “Home Wuk,” a virtual dance party headlined by DJ Avalanche, Ian Turnbull, Director of the Division of Festivals, expanded it into a comprehensive virtual carnival.

“We’ve achieved half a million post engagements and reached one million people,” Turnbull shares about “Home Wuk.” “We’re now receiving messages from people eager to visit the Virgin Islands. For the Department of Tourism, likes are valuable, but inquiries like ‘When can we come?’ drive real conversions—exactly what we aim for.”

The US Virgin Islands canceled its 2020 St. Thomas Carnival, originally set for April 3 to May 4, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Upcoming virtual carnival highlights include replays of last year’s parades, Zumba classes, performances by top local artists in virtual villages, and the standout “Jou’Virtual”—a J’ouvert-inspired event starting at 4 a.m. on Thursday, April 30, featuring five DJs and a live Zoom performance by the legendary Legacy Band.

US Virgin Islands Expands Virtual Carnival into Global Spectacle

“With most people working from home, the event runs from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.,” explains Turnbull. “It’s timed perfectly—brush your teeth, join from the couch, and ease into your workday.”

All USVI virtual carnival events stream live on the Division of Festivals’ Facebook page.

While the virtual carnival is generating global buzz, it holds special promise for the Caribbean. Nations like Barbados, Anguilla, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Jamaica, and the Bahamas have postponed or canceled their 2020 events—potentially inspired to go virtual.

“We’re ahead of the curve,” Turnbull notes. “In the coming years, streaming concerts and parades will become the norm.”

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