The festival on St John starts with steel bands and pageants, hits maximum party with happenings like Carnival Village, the Food Fair and parades, and builds up to Emancipation Day on 3 July, and Independence day on 4 July with J'ouvert, which is a sunrise celebration, a jubilant parade, steel bands, stilt walkers, acrobats and spectacular fireworks.
Carnival is a hugely anticipated event in St John. It celebrates freedom, which resonates strongly in these islands, and the joy manifests itself in dazzling costumes, soca dancing, energetic parties, music, food and drinks from the island, family, friends and fun, fun, fun.