As the sun set over Cruz Bay and the final soca beats drifted into the Caribbean night, the 2025 Celebration of St. John officially came to a close on July 4th—leaving behind memories of music, color, and community that will last all year.

 

Giving Back: Kids Carnival Volunteers

Carnival is truly a community effort. This year, the St. John and St. Thomas Boards of Realtors came together to help make the Kids Carnival a success. Children’s Village and the Children’s Parade provide the youngest islanders with an opportunity to experience Carnival while learning about community pride and cultural heritage.

A special thank you to the agents who volunteered their time:

St. John Board of Realtors:

• KC Bsisu
• Keleigh Rees
• Jessica Wilkins

St. Thomas Board of Realtors:

• Margo Lynch
• Fiona Stuart

Your generosity helped create unforgettable memories for so many local families.

J’ouvert Morning | July 3, 2025

No Carnival would be complete without J’ouvert, the sunrise street party that transforms the National Park into a vibrant sea of color and rhythm. From sunrise until 10 AM, revelers danced behind speaker trucks as DJs and live bands maintained a high energy level throughout the event.

This year’s J’ouvert featured performances by Shaw HP and Small Axe from St. Kitts, who delivered crowd-pleasing sets that got the entire parade route moving.

 

 

 

Performances That Lit Up the Village

Carnival Village came alive each night with music, dancing, and celebration. This year’s lineup featured some highly anticipated performers, including Adam O, Klimaxx Band, Nailah Blackman, Hunter, Crosfyah, and so many more!

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly Sean Paul, who delivered an electrifying show filled with reggae and dancehall favorites, prompting the entire island to sing along under the stars.

Parade Day Winners

On July 4, the streets of Cruz Bay overflowed with feathers, sequins, and smiling faces as troupes and floupes showcased their creativity and pride.

 

 

 

 

A Moment of Courage: DJ Daniel’s Mission

One of the most inspiring moments of this year’s parade wasn’t just the costumes or the music—it was the story of a young boy named Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel.

At just 13 years old, DJ is living with an incurable brain tumor. However, instead of allowing his diagnosis to define him, he has embarked on an extraordinary mission of hope, courage, and service.

DJ’s goal is to be sworn in as an honorary deputy sheriff at 1,000 different law enforcement agencies across the United States, a journey he hopes will earn him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. By late March 2025, DJ had already been welcomed into the ranks of over 913 agencies, including departments in Texas, Florida, and beyond.

During the 2025 Celebration Parade of St. John, DJ achieved another milestone when he was officially sworn in as an Honorary Officer of the Virgin Islands Police Department. Standing proudly beside his father in front of cheering crowds, DJ reminded everyone that the heart of Carnival is about more than just celebration—it’s about community, compassion, and lifting each other up.

(Learn more about DJ Daniel’s mission of courage here.)

 

 

 

 

 

The Heart of Carnival: History & Traditions
If you haven’t had the joy of experiencing Carnival firsthand, here’s a glimpse into why this celebration is so meaningful:

Why the Costumes?
The elaborate costumes—feathers, sequins, beads, and towering headdresses—are inspired by African ceremonial dress and Caribbean masquerade traditions. Each troupe designs a theme, often celebrating folklore, nature, or community pride. Creating them is a year-round labor of love.

Why the Dancing?
Dance is at the heart of Carnival. It serves as an expression of freedom, resilience, and a connection to ancestral roots. Many troupes spend months perfecting their choreography, which is set to calypso, soca, and steel pan rhythms.

Why the Parade?
The parade is the grand finale—a moving celebration of identity and creativity. It’s both an offering to the ancestors and a gift to future generations, reminding us that culture is something we carry forward together.

 

 

 

 

A Dazzling Finale

As the sun set over Cruz Bay on July 4th, the celebrations were far from over. Locals and visitors gathered along the waterfront, hillside, and balconies across the island to catch a glimpse of the grand finale—the annual fireworks display. The sky erupted in bursts of color, echoing the vibrant energy of the day’s festivities. It was a breathtaking close to a celebration that honors culture, community, and joy. For many, it was more than just a show—it was a reminder of what makes Carnival on St. John truly unforgettable.

Keep the Spirit Alive Year After Year

After experiencing the vibrant energy, rich culture, and joy of Carnival in St. John, many visitors start to dream about making it a yearly tradition. If you’ve ever thought about celebrating here every summer without the hassle of finding accommodations, this could be your perfect opportunity.

We have a rare timeshare available at the Westin Resort in St. John, located in the desirable Chocolate Hole Estate. This spacious villa offers the excitement of festival season alongside the comfort and privacy of your own retreat.

You can enjoy a Sun-Sun stay during Week 26, when the island comes alive with parade rehearsals, live music, and the anticipation of J’ouvert and July 4th. Even better, you can secure two consecutive weeks (Weeks 26 and 27) to ensure you have front-row access to Carnival’s grand finale each year.

Whether you spend your days dancing in the streets or unwinding by your private pool, you’ll always have a place to call your own on the island of St. John.

Available Now:
 479 Chocolate Hole, St. John, VI 00830
 $10,995
️ 3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms | 2,780 SF
️ MLS #24-359

Contact us for details or to schedule a tour of this exceptional property.

 

Imagine Living Here
In just one week, the Carnival of St. John showcases more life, love, culture, and beauty than many places experience in an entire year. It’s a time when neighbors become like family, and every sunrise feels like a celebration.

If you’ve ever dreamed of making this island your home—whether full-time, as a vacation retreat, or as your own timeshare escape—we are here to help you find the perfect place.

Explore our current listings:
View Available Properties and Timeshares
Come discover why so many fall in love with St. John—and never want to leave.

 

Mark your calendars:
The 2026 Celebration of St. John will return June 27 – July 4, 2026.

Until then, we’ll be savoring the memories of another magical Carnival season.