It wasn’t until the sun surrendered to the night that crowds at the 60th Anniversary Carnival Adult Parade turned from somber moods to animated moves. Saturday’s scorching heat kept thousands of spectators in their seats until the relief of evening.
Despite the heat, dedicated crowds waited patiently for the sun to subside while groups like Pan in Motion battled the warmth with umbrella hats that let them keep energy up while keeping the temperature down.
“From what I saw last year, everyone was leaving around [late afternoon]. Now I’ve seen all the same faces all day,” said Noel Charles, a member of several groups including the Young Professionals Network.
A young girl who had played it cool in the shade for the entire day suddenly joined the throng of dancing audience members as the Cool Sessions trailer insisted everyone “put your fingers in the air.” Even an elderly lady jumped high in her chair to friendly cheers as lyrics asked to “let me see you bounce.”
Participants encouraged audience members to get involved throughout the day, as groups like the King Shaka Zulu Nation dancers rattled fences lining the boarder.
Into the night, vibrant neon costumes decked out with lace, beads, and glitter decorated Main Street as participants marched from the Western Cemetery to Lionel Roberts Stadium.
Marchers wore everything from barely-visible bikinis to full bodysuits. They proudly rocked staffs and sparkles, some with traditional costumes and others representing things like the sun and moon.
Passionate and energetic dancers performed a series of routines, most emphasizing Virgin Islands culture in the past and present. Women grinded their hips while supporting the weight of extravagant headpieces.
Costumes were even more intricate than those of the Children’s Parade the previous day. A Euphoria Carnival Troupe participant boasted costume pieces reaching 10 feet from her body in a mass of white feathers and purple confetti. She managed to balance the protruding costume while still delicately grooving to the music.
Another participant, Lillian Moolenaar, proved to be quite the multitasker as she worked during the parade while also doing two dances.
“I’m just having a ball for the 60th anniversary!” she exclaimed while switching out a pair of 2-inch heels for 5-inch ones.
Several cars bearing dazzling Carnival royalty crawled along Main Street as young girls and women showed off bright gowns and sparkling tiaras.
Past Carnival queens and kings made an appearance alongside 1952 queen Carmen Nicholson-Sibilly. The crowd howled and whistled as Nicholson-Sibilly glided through the square sporting high heels and a purple boa.
With a whopping 65 entries, the parade lasted from morning until well after dark, ending with a late fireworks show; by then, many children were snoozing on parents’ shoulders.
Groups boasted anywhere from one to over 100 people of all ages moving in sync to lively rhythms. Several marched to the beat of a reggae rendition of “Mary Had a Little Lamb” and pop favorite “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” by Shakira.
The V.I. Waste Management Authority promoted recycling with elaborately decorated trash cans while a participant with a colorful candy float flaunted the fake goodies in front of eager children. But it was the mocko jumbies that seemed to be a time-honored favorite for spectators.
“The mocko jumbies brought everyone together from the U.S. and V.I. This is what I call a real celebration,” said Charles.
Musicians in steel pan bands closed their eyes as they let the music guide their hands. A bass player leaned on the ledge of his trailer playing as if he were casually relaxing on the patio playing for family.
People danced atop trailers and out open car windows. Participants found themselves stepping out of routines to hug loved ones in the audience. Children in the parade high-fived spectators like Carnival celebrities. Even the vendors were grooving as they served drinks and sold shirts.
The parade ended as usual with the Traditional Indians taking up the rear as one of the few dancing troupes to play their own music. As the last of the marchers ripped off his headpiece, the crowd lamented the end of yet another Carnival season.
