far, and officials say forward bookings are up 13.5 percent for the summer compared to the same period in 2019. The number shows no signs of cooling for the upcoming winter tourist season, with reservations almost 58 percent higher than at the end of 2019. In total, the Dominican Republic is expecting 7 million visitors this year – the most ever. The May record followed another tourism milestone in April – with 626,010 tourist arrivals for the month, the most ever and a 7 percent increase compared to April 2019 and 13 percent more than April 2018. “The recovery of tourism is a reality,” said Dominican Republic Tourism Minister David Collado. “We did again. The growth we achieved in April is unprecedented. It is the best April in the history of Dominican tourism.”
Division of Festivals Director. “We wanted to be bold and integrate some of the more traditional cultural elements like live bands and calypso for our older generations, but also cater to the younger generation with some newer, modern, local artists. The community’s response and support were incredible to witness, and it was clear there was a longing for Carnival to return in person.” Locals and visitors alike joined together in celebration for the highly anticipated program that included the sounds of Caribbean music such as calypso, soca, and reggae bands, daily fetes and shows for the music lovers. For five consecutive village nights, local and world renown artists hit the stage such as Kes the Band, Beres Hammond, Spectrum, Rock City, and Adam O, to name a few. Food lovers flocked to the annual Food Fair, traditionally held at Emancipation Garden, but this year took place at Crown Bay where locals were met by visitors docked on tour ships. Local high school students of Shamang Straun’s architectural class at Charlotte Amalie High School took on the task of designing
the fairgrounds layout to allow a freer flowing and organized tasting experience of local and cultural dishes. Additional local Caribbean delicacies could be found at the village grounds daily. The experience of Carnival is not complete without the parades where locals and visitors of all ages band together in colorful costumes while marching and dancing through the streets alongside live bands, steel drums and the alluring mocko jumbies, the stilted dancer’s representative of the spirit guides in the islands. This year, Ms. Carmen Sibilly was honored and recrowned as Carnival Queen of 1952. “The positive impact Carnival has on tourism in our territory is evident. It’s a treasured and beloved event for all, and our airlift and hotel capacity over the past week proves this, says Commissioner of Tourism, Joseph Boschulte. “In between events, visitors can enjoy our beautiful pristine beaches, delicious cuisine, marine life, sister islands of St. Croix and St. John and so much more. We look forward to continuing this longstanding tradition and welcoming visitors to enjoy our culture for many centuries to come.”
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St. Thomas Carnival Returned in Person for a Historic Celebration The 70th annual celebration of St. Thomas Carnival was an eclectic celebration of culture and tradition. This year’s theme “A New Cultural Roogadoo for Carnival 2022” included daily free events for children, adults, and families of all ages produced by the Department of Tourism’s Division of Festivals. Following two years of virtual events, Carnival returned in person to St. Thomas for an abbreviated five days of food, music, and culture. A juxtaposition of long-standing traditions such as calypso music, J’ouvert, Parade, with a refreshed modern lineup of artists and events. For more Following two years of virtual events, Carnival returned in person to St. Thomas for an abbreviated five days of food, music, and culture. A juxtaposition of long-standing traditions such as calypso music, J’ouvert, Parade, with a refreshed modern lineup of artists and events. “St. Thomas Carnival was a labor of love and a step in the right direction to returning to pre pandemic levels”, said Ian Turnbull,
ANTIGUA TO CELEBRATE CARNIVAL Following a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Antigua’s Carnival, the Caribbean’s Greatest Summer Festival, returns with a vigor this year from July 27 – August 2, under the theme ‘Reigniting the Spirit.’ A spectacular display of art,
culture and heritage, visitors are drawn year after year to the celebrations, an intense, seven-day experience filled with music, dance, revelry, cuisine, warmth and hospitality. Come and ‘Experience The Greatest’ www.visitantiguabarbuda.com
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