The Virgin Islands Carnival Committee announces 2017 Virgin Islands Carnival theme: “A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Carnival Celebration” as submitted by Mr. Clement “Cain” Magras.

History of St. Thomas Carnival: The 1st carnival was staged in 1912 during the final years of Danish occupation & lapsed during World War I. Revived in 1952; Carnival has become the 2nd largest festival in the Caribbean. A month-long series of dazzling pageants & talent shows are held to choose royalty to reign over the festival.

Fun events such as a boat race, Greased Pig Contest, & Toddlers Derby entertain everyone. A series of elimination contests to crown top performers are called Calypso Tents. Calypsonians offer a satirical commentary on the state of the islands, oftentimes mocking the shenanigans of politicians.

Other popular events held during Carnival is J'ouvert, a food fair presenting the islands’ best traditional eats & a competition to crown the King & Queen of the parade. The children's & adult’s parades close the lively month with brilliantly costumed & decorated troupes & floats.

Theresa Marie Arnold-Davis, Cultural Fair Honoree: Theresa Marie Arnold-Davis has a passion for cooking which she developed during childhood as her family cooked for themselves & others as a means of living, with little education. Born on St. Croix to Leroy Arnold & Josephine Mulrain, Theresa has been participating in the Virgin Islands Carnival Cultural Fair since 1991. On this the 25th year of her participation, she is overjoyed to be named as the 2016 Carnival Cultural Fair Honoree. Also the 2014 St. Croix Carnival Food Fair Honoree, she became the 1st person to be honored by both Carnival Committees.

Courtesy of http://www.vicarnival.com/