The picturesque village of St. Joseph transforms into a pulsating epicenter of cultural celebration today as it hosts its highly anticipated annual carnival. Under the evocative theme ‘Drumming and Sensay 2026’, the event promises an immersive journey into the heart of African heritage through rhythm, tradition, and spectacular visual displays.
Waynesha Sanderson, representing the St. Joseph Village Carnival Committee, recently outlined the event’s ambitious vision during a weekly Carnival Press Conference. The festival will showcase an authentic cultural experience featuring vibrant costumes and high-energy performances that honor the community’s rich traditions.
The carnival parade is scheduled to assemble at 1:30 PM with a prompt 2:00 PM start near V’s Enterprise on the St. Joseph Highway. The colorful procession will culminate at the St. Joseph Playing Field, creating a vibrant river of culture through the village streets.
A significant highlight of this year’s celebration is the commitment to authenticity by the St. Joseph Sensay Committee. Sanderson emphasized their dedication to providing original Sensei costumes, explicitly avoiding modern shortcuts like plastic or bags in favor of traditional, fully-clothed heavy-duty materials that honor historical accuracy.
The parade will feature an impressive array of performance groups including the St. Joseph Flag Wavers, NBD Flag Wavers, Gems, T-shirt Bands, Afrikulture Stilt Walkers, New Town Stilt Walkers, Bacchanal Ladies, KariFuna Cultural Group, Lapo kabwit Groups, and the St. Joseph Sensei troupe.
As the procession concludes, the celebration will transition to live musical performances featuring Triple K International Band, Shelly and the Signal Band, the Explosive Band, and DJ Mj & MV, ensuring the energy continues well into the evening.
The committee has prioritized safety and organization through close collaboration with police, fire services, and key stakeholders. This coordinated effort aims to deliver a secure, well-structured, and violence-free environment for all attendees. Sanderson extended a heartfelt invitation to the public, encouraging responsible celebration and an authentic experience of St. Joseph’s unique cultural expression.