Cruician Christmas Festival

For many, the holiday season is over.  The ornaments have been taken off and the trees discarded.  Children have started school and parents have gone back to work.  Here in the islands the season is moving into its culmination with Three Kings Day.  Since this particular holiday falls on a Thursday this year, festivities will last until Sunday.

All over the world Three Kings Day is celebrated by different cultures in various manners, some do their gift giving now, some take down their trees, others engage in fasts or cold water dunking's, some sing songs and visit homes around their towns, while others pass out sweets and goodies.  On St. Croix, we celebrate our Crucian Christmas Festival.

Leading up to this week many competitions have been held to narrow the fields.  The Calypso singers, adults and children have spent many hours working up their repertoire's and last night gave it their all.  The young children have vied for prince and princess, while the young men and women have battled to represent St. Croix during the festival celebrations.  The road march has been chosen and troupes are putting the final touches on their floats and dance routines.

2006 Parade

The Christmas Village opened up in Fredericksted and most residents of the island will make at least one visit during this time.  Food booths are arranged in a semi circle with a band stand at one end and an area for dancing, smoozing, and general congregating.  Off to one side are the carnival rides for the kids and adults that still love the thrill.

J'ouvert started this morning at 5:00am with a tramp from Hannah's Rest.  Traditionally people meet in the dark to gather behind a truck with huge speakers and band members that lead the way into town.  Everyone dances behind the truck and feels the love.  This afternoon women and men gather in front of the clock tower to display and sell their traditional foods at the food fair.

Every night bands line up to entertain the crowds.  Reggae night is tonight, tomorrow is Latin night, Friday is the Children's Parade and Saturday is the big adults parade.  Sunday is the finale with boat races, fireworks and the festival wrap-up.

People come from all over the world to enjoy this time of year in the islands; it is by far the best time to be here. 

2005 Parade

We have house guests from Europe and no time to blog.  Most try not to work during this week, it is a time for being with family and friends, so today's piece is a shorty.    Hopefully i'll have pictures from the festivities for next week.