76.7 F
Charlotte Amalie
Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesFriendship and Harmony Lead at J’ouvert

Friendship and Harmony Lead at J’ouvert

J'ouvert attendees march to Cool Sessions.“Happy Carnival!” called thousands of locals and tourists as they crowded the streets of Charlotte Amalie in the pre-dawn hours Thursday morning, excited for the 60th Anniversary Carnival J’ouvert celebration.

Nine bands and a few smaller groups inched down Waterfront in huge semi-trucks baring massive pieces of sound equipment designed to pump beats into the eager throngs of grooving partiers.

“There are more trucks this year due to the 60th anniversary,” said Ricky Ade, a local sous chef enjoying his sixth J’ouvert. “There are so many more people here from all over the world.”

After the usual delayed start, Cool Sessions took the lead with a reggae rendition of the classic Beatles tune “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.” Eight other bands followed including local favorites Spectrum and Jam Band.

A visitor from Connecticut, Angelika Evanoff, said she was enjoying her first Carnival. “It doesn’t matter how young or old you are,” she said. “It’s like those people dancing are never going to stop.”

Police in neon yellow shirts patrolled the crowd, intent on keeping the Carnival festivities safe and jovial, but those present seemed just as eager to enjoy a peaceful J’ouvert.

Local rap artist Section 8 noted that the lack of violence during this J’ouvert was a good sign. Colorful J'ouvert.

Groups marched from areas in Frenchtown past Carnival Village, all smiles as they bumped into one another and spilled drinks while dancing.

“It’s nice to see all of the island people in one place uniting,” said bartender Christina Borrazas. “This is what the locals do, how they celebrate, and if I’m going to consider myself a local, it’s something I have to experience for myself.”

Traditionally, J’ouvert opens the first day of Trinidad’s carnival. Folklorist Ray Allen of Brooklyn College says it evolved from 19th century Canboulay festivals, the nighttime celebrations where ex-slaves gathered to masquerade, sing and dance in commemoration of their emancipation.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Keeping our community informed is our top priority.
If you have a news tip to share, please call or text us at 340-228-8784.

Support local + independent journalism in the U.S. Virgin Islands

Unlike many news organizations, we haven't put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as accessible as we can. Our independent journalism costs time, money and hard work to keep you informed, but we do it because we believe that it matters. We know that informed communities are empowered ones. If you appreciate our reporting and want to help make our future more secure, please consider donating.