The Christmas holiday season is one of merriment, joy and gathering of family and friends to enjoy and pass on the many cultural traditions of the festive occasion. During this holiday season, many thousands of visitors come to our islands to enjoy the sights and sounds of the territory. Christmas Day (Dec. 25, 2016) and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1, 2017) are both legal holidays, and have fallen on a Sunday. Christmas Second Day is also a Virgin Island holiday.
St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival J’ouvert will be held on the morning of Wednesday, January 4, 2017, followed by the Food, Arts and Craft Fair. The Children’s Parade will be held on Friday, January 6, 2017, which is also Three King’s Day. The St. Croix Adult’s Festival Parade will be held on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017. The Crucian Christmas Festival provides a boost to our economy and helps to promote an understanding and appreciation of our culture and provides a boost to our economy. It is also an opportunity for Virgin Islanders to play the role of goodwill ambassadors for the Territory.
Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp, by proclamation, has authorized commissioners and agency heads to grant administrative leave to non-essential employees working in the Government of the Virgin Islands to enjoy the festival season, to encourage greater participation in the J’ouvert, Festival Food, Arts & Craft Fair, and Children’s Parade, and enhance the celebration of the Christmas Festival by all residents and visitors, as follows:
St. Croix Only:
Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2017 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival J’ouvert
St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival Food, Arts and Crafts Fair
Territorywide:
Friday, Dec. 23, 2016 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, Christmas Eve
Friday, Dec. 30, 2016 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, New Year’s Eve
Monday, Jan. 2, 2017
The leave granted above shall not apply to essential employees and employees on a regular or rotating shift.
Gov. Mapp said, “At this time of year, we should focus on family, community and holiday festivities. Educating our children and young ones about the value of our traditions and rich heritage will help to build self-respect and pride among all. To the adults, I encourage you all to come out to support the Children’s Parade and inspire our youth to develop their creativity.”
