As French Heritage Week begins across St. Thomas, Sib’s on the Mountain is inviting the community to celebrate Bastille Weekend with two evenings of live music, dancing, and food, while honoring more than a century of French heritage.
The family-owned establishment, which is more than 100 years in business, will host festivities on Friday and Saturday, marking the third consecutive year that Bastille Day celebrations have returned to the historic location.
“Sib’s on the Mountain has proudly been part of the St Thomas community for 102 years, and French Heritage Week has always held a special place in our hearts. Our history is deeply rooted in the French community, and continuing this tradition is our way of honoring those who came before us, while celebrating the people who continue to make this island such a special place to call home”, said Sib’s general manager Solange Greaux.
Greaux said the annual celebration has grown beyond honoring the island’s French ancestry to become a celebration of the broader St. Thomas community. “French Heritage Week has become more than a celebration of our roots. We love bringing people together through great food, live music, dancing, and the friendships that make this island feel like home”, said Greaux.
Friday’s French Heritage Appreciation Night will feature performances by local band Obsession, which includes Sib’s owner Leo Sibilly Jr., along with special guests Saline Combo from St. Barths. The evening is dedicated to celebrating the traditions and cultural influences of the French community that have helped shape St. Thomas.
The celebration continues Saturday with performances by When Band and Jam Band. “While our French heritage is the foundation of the weekend, we also celebrate the diversity, acceptance, and sense of community that makes St. Thomas our home” said Greaux.
Live music is expected to begin between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. both evenings. Food will be available from 1 p.m. until midnight, and two bars will offer drink specials for under $6 throughout the weekend. Parking will be available in the Sibs parking lot, the nearby school parking lot, and on both sides of the road closures. Organizers encourage attendees to carpool whenever possible to help ease parking.
This weekend also includes a 50/50 raffle, with half of the proceeds benefiting the Family Resource Center, which provides services and support to individuals and families throughout the Virgin Islands.
“This is our third year bringing Bastille Day back to the mountain and each year we’re excited to watch it grow. We hope everyone comes out to enjoy the music, the food, the dancing, and most importantly, the sense of community that has always been at the heart of Sib’s,” said Greaux.
For Greaux, continuing the celebration is about preserving the legacy that has united generations for more than a century. “As we celebrate 102 years, we remain committed to preserving our French heritage while embracing the diverse community that has helped shape Sib’s into what it is today. Whether you’ve celebrated Bastille Weekend with us for decades or you’re joining us for the very first time, we invite everyone to come enjoy a weekend filled with music, dancing, laughter, and community,” she added.
