USVI getting ready for carnival time

St Croix._ United States Virgin Islands’ Carnival is holding this year its 50th anniversary and to commemorate this important cultural tradition, St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John are getting ready to celebrate the event in grand style, including special hotel rates for foreign visitors.

Extravagant displays of pageantry, spirited music festivals, mouthwatering food fairs, parades and much more are on schedule, as reported by USVI Department of Tourism.

Appropriately named "A Cultural Roogoodoo for Carnival 2002," this year’s festival will feature colorful costumes, dancing, steel pan music, calypso and local delicacies throughout the year with events on all three islands.

The first Carnival was held on St. Thomas on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1912, and continued for two years. Due to the beginning of World War I, the celebrations respectfully ended and did not recommence until 1952, wherein it became the cultural mainstay on St. Thomas. Its Carnival has evolved during the past 50 years as one of the most lively celebrations in the world – enjoyed by residents and visitors of all ages.

Celebrations for the 50th anniversary began last year and will continue through December 2002.

For a complete calendar of events and additional information about Carnival 2001-2002, visit www.vicarnival.com or call (340) 776-3112.