The Valentine’s Holiday Jump Up transformed the town of Christiansted on St. Croix into a lively celebration of culture, commerce, and community, drawing residents and visitors out for an evening filled with music, food, and entertainment Friday night.
Residents and visitors fill the streets of Christiansted during the Valentine’s Holiday Jump Up, as crowds move between vendors, music, and open businesses on Friday night. (Source photo by Diana Dias)A four-legged attendee takes part in the Valentine’s Holiday Jump Up in Christiansted, as residents and visitors enjoyed a pet-friendly evening of music, food, and community on Friday night. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Food vendors were a major highlight of the event, with a long line forming early at Diane’s Roti stand, where patrons eagerly waited for roti in a variety of flavors, including shrimp, goat, chicken, and more. Nearby, local business The Best of the Best stayed busy throughout the night as owner Jewel chopped fresh coconuts for coconut water and juiced sugar cane for customers looking to cool off with natural island refreshments. Some attendees added rum to their natural cocktails to spice things up.
Diane prepares fresh roti at her popular stand during the Valentine’s Holiday Jump Up in Christiansted, where long lines formed for flavors including shrimp, goat, and chicken on Friday night. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
“I love your island,” said Brad as he sipped his coconut cocktail.
Brad enjoys fresh coconut water during the Valentine’s Holiday Jump Up in Christiansted, as crowds gathered around food and drink vendors throughout the evening on Friday. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Dessert lovers lined up at Tropical Ice Garden, where long queues formed for ice cream as the evening progressed. At the Melee drink stand, guests enjoyed specialty cocktails, including tamarind margaritas, mango mojitos, and other festive drinks that added to the Valentine’s atmosphere.
Customers line up inside Tropical Ice Garden during the Valentine’s Holiday Jump Up in Christiansted, as families enjoyed ice cream and desserts while local businesses remained open late on Friday night. (Source photo by Diana Dias)Owner of specialty cocktail stand Melee during the Valentine’s Holiday Jump Up in Christiansted, where festive drinks added to the energy of Friday night’s celebration. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Entertainment filled nearly every corner of the Jump Up. The Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies captivated the crowd with towering performances, while DJ Swain kept the energy high with a nonstop soundtrack that had attendees dancing along the route. The Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra added a rich cultural layer to the evening, delivering live steel pan music that echoed through the streets.
Members of the Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies perform during the Valentine’s Holiday Jump Up in Christiansted, drawing crowds as traditional stilt dancers brought movement and color to the streets on Friday night. (Source photo by Diana Dias)DJ Swain keeps the crowd moving during the Valentine’s Holiday Jump Up in Christiansted, providing a nonstop soundtrack as music fills the streets on Friday night. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
In addition to performances, local shops, vendors, and restaurants remained open, offering shopping, dining, and socializing well into the night.
Children and families browse toys and novelty items at Parris Tee’s and Novelties stand during the Valentine’s Holiday Jump Up in Christiansted, as crowds filled the streets for shopping, food, and entertainment on Friday night. (Source photo by Diana Dias)A patron browses framed artwork while enjoying the Valentine’s Holiday Jump Up in Christiansted, where shopping, food, music, and culture filled the streets on Friday night. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
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