I was on STJ for Carnival Parade 2005 and also for the days leading up to Carnival parade 2004, but not for the actual 2004 Carnival Parade.

You'll really get a good taste of the island during your stay. There will be lots of live music in Cruz bay as various performances take place. There is a Carival Village in Cruz Bay where they sell all kinds of local food and drinks. As you get close to July 4, things get a little more exciting each day....more performances, etc....until July 4, when the parade takes place. I haven't found that anything is impacted in terms of getting around - until July 4 when you can't drive through Cruz bay because of the festivities and it is blocked off.

What's the saying? "you know it's carnival on ST John when Cruz Bay is dipping into the sea" (from the weight of all the people) or something like that.

Other than July 4, no inconvenience and I didn't notice any swell in people anywhere but Cruz Bay. If you are going to visit in summer, this is the time to do it as everything is open and active. Save your appetite! You're lucky. You can eat from the vendors and get some really good, authentic local food.

Wonderful! Can't wait. I was beginning to think I had the cart before the horse -- plane tickets, villa (finally) and then find out about Carnival! Oh well -- I am looking forward to this! Thank you again for all of your help.

CJ,

A true case of serendipity, for sure!

Sharing my novice observations about Carnival:

1. The parade never starts on time - so don't worry if you set out late. I think it may have been 3 hours late last year.

2. Watch for band trucks in the parade selling CDs and buy them! They're selling CDs of the songs you are hearing them play. Make sure you have cash on you for this.

3. A good place to watch the parade is in front of Mongoose Junction area where there are some trees and short wall to sit on. Also, they normally sell drinks (water, soda, beer) from a cart just atop the steps here...so you can get drinks easily. Try to get there early to secure a spot. (which is kind of hard to time because if you arrive too early you'll be sitting there waiting for the parade for a while if it is late - and it is always late)

4. Make sure you visit the Carnival Village Food Fair on the days leading up and on parade day for delicious island treats. They'll have everything you can imagine and it is really reasonable.

5. Go to Carnival Village the night before the parade to hear the really good bands.

6. Be aware that the July 4 festivities culminate with fireworks, in case that interests you.

7. Read up on the history the Emancipation Celebrations and understand that the traditional celebration is not just about Independence Day (July 4 here in America). Rather, they are moreso celebrating the Danes freeing the slaves on July 3, 1848 (Emancipation Day). Of course, there's alway the debate that the Emcipation was a fake and the slaves weren't freed, so don't quote me on that. Either way, the celebration is big.

Cool! Hope that parade is not too late! I do not like beer, but love those island Rum Punches and drinking too many of those in the hot sun just might make me miss the parade!