Thursday marked the beginning of the end of a spectacular event that has been the heartbeat of St. John for the past week: the 70th Celebration Anniversary. The streets were alive with the rhythmic beats and vibrant energy that only a Caribbean carnival can bring. At 11 a.m., the music from the truck started, setting the stage for a day filled with joy, tradition, and unity.
As the sun shone brightly over St. John, people lined the streets, eagerly anticipating the parade’s start. The air was thick with excitement and the aroma of local cuisine wafting from nearby stands. This was not just any parade; it was a convergence of culture, history, and community spirit.
The parade commenced with a regal procession of carnival queens from various islands. Dressed in resplendent attire, these queens epitomized the grace and elegance of the Caribbean. Among them were past carnival queens, who, having arrived in their own cars decorated to show where they were from, were greeted warmly by the crowd. The sight of these queens, representing the beauty and pride of their respective islands, was a poignant reminder of the rich cultural heritage that the carnival celebrates.