Top 5 Crucian Christmas Festival Must-Dos

The roots of the Crucian Christmas Festival date back to the 1800s, when enslaved Africans were allowed time to celebrate Christmas, often dressing up in handmade costumes and dancing through the streets. In 1952, those traditions were incorporated into the festival that’s celebrated today, which includes rollicking parades, music, dancing, pageants, local foods and more. Be sure to add the following must-dos to your Crucian Christmas Festival plans.

1. PRINCE & PRINCESS SHOW (Dec. 26) — The celebration kicks off with the crowning of the Miss St. Croix Festival Queen at the Festival Village, along with competitions and the crownings of Prince, Princess, Duchess, Duke, Junior Miss and Tiny Tarts. More than a beauty pageant, the competition honors St Croix’s brightest future leaders and speaks to the festival’s spotlight on the island’s younger generation.

2. FESTIVAL VILLAGE — Located in downtown Frederiksted, the Festival Village is the epicenter of the Crucian Christmas Festival. In the heart of this historic waterfront town you’ll find nightly entertainment and free concerts, ranging from soca beats and steel pan rhythms to contemporary music from local and international artists. If all that dancing to the bands makes you hungry, head to one of the colorful booths selling local delicacies like johnny cakes, tamarind stew and more. In the Festival Village, you’ll also find a variety of beautiful, handcrafted items for sale.

3. J’OUVERT (Jan. 1) — Meaning “daybreak” in French, J’ouvert is an early-morning New Year’s Day fete that’s celebrated in many regions of the Caribbean. Ring in the first day of the new year with dancing in the streets of Frederiksted. Calypso and soca bands, along with revelers dressed in ornate costumes, lead the way. Be sure to set your alarm — or stay up all night — because as its name indicates, the party begins at dawn and peaks a few hours after sunrise.

4. FOOD FAIR (Jan. 2) — Head to Frederiksted Pier for a literal taste of Crucian cuisine. The blue ocean acts as a beautiful backdrop as you walk among the various vendors selling iconic island dishes ranging from stuffed pates to seafood specialties. Throughout the day and night, live music is your soundtrack as you sample tasty treats and browse the goods on display from local arts and crafts vendors. Traditionally, one Food Fair dish gets put to a vote. Last year was the battle of the favorite tart, with coconut, pineapple and guava competing.

5. CHILDREN’S AND ADULTS PARADES (Jan. 3-4) — The Crucian Christmas Festival goes out big with two parades, providing a finale like no other that further showcases the rich cultural heritage of St. Croix and its people. At both, you’ll see dazzling handcrafted costumes adorned with feathers and plenty of sparkles, as well as vibrant floats, bands and troupes marching down King Street, just one block from the waterfront. The Children’s Parade on Jan. 3 will be followed by a lively Reggae Night, while the Adults Parade on Jan. 4 will feature light-up-the-sky fireworks at its conclusion.

Learn about more USVI events and festivals.