In a bid to pioneer the return of in-person Carnival events while still maintaining public health safety and the importance of getting the COVID-19 vaccine, the US Virgin Islands Department of Tourism’s Division of Festivals hosted a recent “vaccination jam” accessible only to guests who had received their shots.
The 2021 Carnival Virgin Islands “1 Night, 1 Fête” took place seaside on April 30 on the dock on St. Thomas and featured leading USVI musical groups, but notably accommodated only 200 vaccinated patrons and stressed compliance with pandemic protocols, including physical distancing, mask-wearing and proper handwashing hygiene.
Envisioned by the islands’ department of tourism, “1 Night, 1 Fête” complimented the government’s “Vaccinate to Party Safe” initiative and helps achieve the goal of vaccinating 50,000 Virgin Islanders by July 1.
The event was also an opportunity for musicians to showcase their talents after more than a year of pandemic restrictions, which have impacted their ability to perform.
“The whole world going and follow this vaccinate party,” predicted 2021 International Soca Monarch and performer Farmer Nappy of Trinidad and Tobago.
“We are excited that culture, music and carnival are alive and kicking in the USVI. This is a testament to all Virgin Islanders for taking public health safety seriously during the pandemic,” said USVI Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte.
“We have been on top of Caribbean tourism, we are on the cutting edge of hosting virtual, and now in-person social gatherings, and our team will continue to leverage our creative talent to move our destination forward,” he added.
Emphasizing the importance of getting vaccinated, Boschulte said, “We can show the world that you can enjoy a vacation, or enjoy a fête, and be safe.”
Lieutenant Governor of the US Virgin Islands Tregenza Roach, who attended the event, spoke of the incomparable energy of Carnival, and the power of having a safe event for people to celebrate their culture and feel rejuvenated in difficult times.
“I think Carnival brings a certain energy, a certain release, a certain soulfulness that we always should regard,” he commented.
Ian Turnbull, Director of the Division of Festivals stated, “Last year we were virtual, and now we are here with something new… I believe this could be the blueprint for the Caribbean,” adding that next steps include producing more events across the US Virgin Islands for residents and visitors alike.
Future Division of Festivals events include the 68th St. John Celebration (June 28 – July 4, 2021); the 69th Crucian Christmas Festival (Dec. 4, 2021 – Jan. 9, 2022); and the 70th Carnival Virgin Islands on St. Thomas (April 2 – May 1, 2022).
Proceeds from the event were donated to relief efforts for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which has been adversely impacted by multiple eruptions of the La Soufrière volcano in recent weeks. Virgin Islands Lottery has also contributed $5,000.