Caribbean Carnival Considerations
In October 2006 my sister moved from Ohio down to St. Thomas in the USVI. A month later I went down to visit her for Thanksgiving and to help her get settled and moved into her new place. Ever since (with the exception of when I was living in Japan) I've headed down to the Caribbean once or twice a year to meet up with her. Sometimes I've visited her on St. Thomas, but more often than not we've gone island hoping around the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. Over the years we've been together to Puerto Rico, St. John, Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Antigua, Barbuda, St. Maarten/St. Martin, Seba, St. Barts, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis. 
Thursday night this past week, my sister called me up with a new proposal for our island getaway this spring; she wants me to come down to St. Thomas at the end of April for Carnival. That all sounds well and good, but she wants us to actually join the Infernos Carnival Troupe with her friends and to be in the parade. To quote her, "Haven't you always wanted to wear a feathered headdress in a parade?" The 2012 Carnival theme for the troupe is entitled "Be Jeweled" with Jewel of India (orange costumes), Amethyst (purple costumes) and Emerald (green costumes) sections.
Although I am more than a little nervous about wearing one these costumes, it would be a lot of fun to be a part of one of the island's big cultural events. St. Thomas held its first Carnival in 1912 and again in 1914 before lapsing due to World War I. It was revived in 1952 and has since become an annual celebration called the V.I. Carnival. Filled with dancing and music from the African and European traditions that influenced the islands it would really be something to see and be a part of.
So what do you think? Am I crazy for doing this? What color do you like best (we are leaning toward the purple)?Would you want to be in a Carnival Parade? Have you always wanted to wear a feathered headdress?
Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 10:35AM | Posted by Lisa | 6 Comments | Share Article | Email Article | Print Article 
Reader Comments (6)
Do it!
The green would look great with your hair coloring.
I'd do it in a heartbeat! It's moments like these we remember more so than standing along the sidelines.
I think that I will do it, Rene. My sister said that in the past she's had a blast watching the carnival and that the people in the parade look like they are having an awesome time. Plus, other that my sister no one I know will see me which makes it a little less scary. ;)
I think it would be so awesome to do. How many people can say they've been dressed up like that in Carnival? Plus...nobody else would be there to see you...at least that would be my worry. LOL Purple looks the funnest. :)
Jen, I agree that this would definitely be a once in a lifetime experience. My sister said that the atmosphere is so festive that no one is worrying about how they look and there are ladies of all shapes and sizes out in the parade dancing and having fun. I think it will be a blast!
Hi Lisa,
I actually stumbled upon your post during my google search for more info about Inferno's Carnival Troupe. I would like to participate as I've done in the past with this troupe and had a blast. Do you know if the purple section is still open and who I should contact? I really appreciate your help. Feel free to pass along my email address... brandimichellesATaimDOTcom (written out so I don't get spammed)
Thank you,
Brandi
Hi Brandi, Unfortunately I don't know much other than what I shared. The best thing to do is to go to their Facebook page, I think. They have all the information about joining and applying there. Good luck!