The 72nd Annual St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival Set to Spark Island-Wide Celebrations
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (October 23, 2024): The U.S. Virgin Islands announces the 72nd Annual Crucian Christmas Festival, scheduled on St. Croix from December 26, 2024, through January 4, 2025. This year’s festival will feature a wide range of events, including parades, cultural showcases, culinary experiences, and nightly entertainment in the Festival Village. Visitors and locals can expect the Princess and Queen pageants, J’ouvert, food fairs, and two major parades, making it one of the most significant celebrations in the Caribbean.
“We are proud to carry on this incredible tradition, welcoming visitors from around the world to experience St. Croix’s unique blend of culture, music, and food,” said Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. “The Crucian Christmas Festival is a celebration of our island’s rich heritage, and we look forward to sharing it with everyone.”
For over a century, the Crucian Christmas Festival has been a symbol of St. Croix’s enduring cultural identity, evolving over time while maintaining its deep connection to the island’s traditions. This year, the festival continues to build on its rich legacy, offering a mix of performances and competitions that highlight St. Croix’s unique cultural fusion. The festival’s grand finale will be the Adult Parade on January 4, 2025, featuring vibrant costumes, pulsating music, and joyful celebrations that reflect the island’s spirited atmosphere.
Highlights of the 72nd edition include:
Princess Pageant (December 26, 2024) – A showcase of talent, grace, and pride in island heritage.
Calypso Monarch Finals (December 27, 2024) – The most electrifying voices in Caribbean music will battle for the prestigious Calypso Monarch title, featuring witty lyrics and captivating melodies.
Band Clash Competition (December 28, 2024) – Local bands compete for bragging rights and a grand priz.
J’ouvert Morning (January 1, 2025) – A pre-dawn revelry featuring lively music, dancing, and an explosion of color.
Food Fair (January 2, 2025) – A culinary celebration of St. Croix’s finest local flavors.
Soca Monarch Finals (January 2, 2025) – High-energy performances from the region’s best soca artists, competing for the coveted Soca Monarch crown.
Children’s Parade (January 3, 2025) – Watch young festival-goers in colorful costumes light up the streets.
Adult Parade (January 4, 2025) – A grand spectacle of culture, music, and dance, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show.
“Each year, the Crucian Christmas Festival brings our community and visitors together in celebration of St. Croix’s unique cultural blend,” said Ian Turnbull, Director of the USVI Division of Festivals. “This year’s event will be one for the books, with more entertainment, more local flavors, and more opportunities for everyone to experience the true spirit of St. Croix.”
With direct flights from Miami, Atlanta, and Fort Lauderdale, and additional service from San Juan, Puerto Rico, traveling to St. Croix has never been easier. Visitors can explore the U.S. Virgin Islands without a passport, making the Crucian Christmas Festival an ideal destination for those seeking a culturally rich holiday experience.
As the countdown to the 72nd Annual Crucian Christmas Festival begins, anticipation is building for this vibrant celebration of St. Croix’s rich culture, music, and traditions. With a diverse lineup of events and convenient travel options, the festival is set to offer an unforgettable experience for both visitors and locals. For more information on the St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival and to explore the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit www.visitusvi.com.
About the U.S. Virgin Islands
About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens.For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to www.VisitUSVI.com, follow us @VisitUSVI on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and Pinterest, and @USVITourism on TikTok, X and LinkedIn.
