The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism (USVI) is welcoming visitors to celebrate the 70th annual St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival this holiday season, beginning Sunday, Dec. 11, through Saturday, Jan. 7.
This annual, treasured event returns in person following the success of St. Thomas and St. John Carnivals with the theme, Reflections of Culture, Music, Mas, and Revelry, and officially closing out the 2022 Carnival season in the Caribbean while simultaneously kicking it off in 2023.
“The U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is proud to be the only destination in the Caribbean to host three carnival celebrations every year – each with its own flair and flavors while providing a unique experience friendly for both adults and children,” says Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte. “The success of St. Thomas Carnival’s official in-person return this past Spring, followed by St. John this Summer, has allowed the St. Croix Crucian Christmas Festival to return, with the due recognition of being the official close of 2022 Carnival season in the Caribbean and the season opener in 2023.
“Our theme, Reflections of Culture, Music, Mas, and Revelry, represent the local people and our meditation over our history, the impact of these last two years, and return to celebrate our culture but also our resilience as a destination to always recover and return despite any obstacles we face, says Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull.
The iconic event lineup for the festival represents a way of life in the Caribbean. Visitors can celebrate with locals as they listen to music set to the rhythms of calypso, soca and steelpan music. They can dance with Moko Jumbies (stilt walkers and dancers), indulge in local delicacies, and experience all facets of the USVI’s diverse culture.
See below for the program lineup. Continue to follow usvifestivals.vi and social channels for additional programs and artist lineups to come. To whet your appetite, you can view a video of the festival here and learn more about the USVI here.
Pre Crucian Christmas Festival
● The Queen Show Presentation – Sunday, November 6
● St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade – Saturday, December 10
Event Schedule:
