USVI CARNIVAL
After a two-year hiatus, the largest of the three US Virgin Islands (USVI) celebrated the 70th Annual Crucian Christmas Festival in Frederiksted.
“After a two-year hiatus, we were excited for the return of the Crucian Christmas Festival,” USVI Department of Tourism Commissioner, Joseph Boschulte told Caribbean Life on Friday. “For over a week, the island of St. Croix celebrated the 70th anniversary of the festival, welcoming visitors and neighbors to events including free concerts featuring top reggae and soca artists, food fairs to showcase local cuisine, J’ouvert, and a record-breaking parade filled with masqueraders adorned in their finest costumes.”
Kicking off on Dec. 30, Boschulte said the Festival Village hosted nightly concerts featuring reggae and soca stars, including Maxi Priest, Christopher Martin, Vibe and Karnage.
Patrice Roberts performs at the Women of Soca night event on Jan. 5 in St. Croix. Trini Jungle Juice
He said Zeus Network sponsored the Women of Soca night on Jan. 5, featuring breakout star Patrice Roberts, who performed her hit song “Mind My Business.”
The night was highlighted by a donation to the Virgin Islands Division of Festivals from Zeus owner Lemuel Plummer and his wife Janeisha John, a Crucian native, Boschulte said.
In addition, he said. Zeus stars Bobby Lytes, Natalie Nunn, Gia “Rollie” Mayham, Loren “Lo” Jordan, and Scotlynd “Scotty” Ryan made a special appearance, followed by a surprise performance by Joseline Hernandez.
St. Croix native Adamo called on his international friends DJ Young Chow, performers Nadia Boston and Voice, and influencers Brittni Babe and Virginia Sanhouse, among others, to lead the party into parade day.
Two masqueraders portray their 2023 carnival costumes in St. Croix.Trini Jungle Juice
The tourism commissioner said the celebration continued with a record-breaking parade through the streets of St. Croix filled with masqueraders dancing and celebrating island vibes as onlookers shouted, “A Vibe Like No Other” and “We Outside Again.”
Culminating the celebration was a night of soca energy featuring global stars Kes and Voice, Boschulte said.
Carnival season will continue in the capital of the USVI as St. Thomas gears up to celebrate Sunday, April 23 – Sunday, April 30.
