The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism’s Division of Festivals proudly celebrates the conclusion of a successful 2023-2024 Crucian Christmas Festival.
The annual festival, now in its 71st year, commenced on Dec. 26 in the Frederiksted Village, featuring beloved cultural events, including the Prince, Princess, Dutch and Duchess Show, Queen Pageant, and Soca Monarch. This year, the Division of Festivals hosted the first-ever Kid Ville event, providing a night dedicated to celebrating the island’s youngest residents.
On Dec. 29, nightly village entertainment began with International Cultural Night and provided seven days of free concerts featuring top local and international acts, including Cool Session, Charlie Aponte, Destra, Nadia Batson, Adam O, Capleton, Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah, Karnage and Dexta Daps.
Crucian cuisine took center stage at the annual Food Fair at the Frederiksted Pier, where patrons could explore everything from patties to seafood. This year, the war of tarts was at an all-time high as guests voted for their favorite between coconut, pineapple and guava.
From Thursday to Saturday, the streets of Frederiksted were filled with local and visiting revelers for J’ouvert, the Children’s Parade and the Adult Parade, which brought out a record of attendees and participants adorned in cultural and ornate costumes celebrating the vast, rich Caribbean heritage of the island.
Joseph Boschulte, commissioner of Tourism, said, “This year’s Crucian Christmas Festival ended a remarkable 2023 for our territory and launched 2024 as a year that is sure to be one filled with continued elevation of the destination.”
“I am proud of the collective efforts of the many members of our community who played a part in ensuring this annual celebration was successful. A special thanks goes to the Division of Festivals, which continues to set new benchmarks, elevating the territory’s festivals and celebrations,” said Boschulte.
The twelve-day celebration culminated with a post-parade fireworks display followed by Uber Soca Night at the Frederiksted Village, featuring international AfroBeats star Davido as well as Caribbean Music Awards Soca Performer of the Year Mr. Killa.
“This year’s Crucian Christmas Festival was a full display of the rich and abundant culture of St. Croix, from the pageants to the food fair, J’ouvert to the parades,” said Ian Turnbull, director of festivals.
The Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals extends a special thanks to partner agencies including the Virgin Islands Police Department, Virgin Islands Department of Public Works, Virgin Islands Department of Health, Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and Virgin Islands Port Authority.
Crucian Christmas Festival 2023-2024 Parade Winners
“We would like to thank the many participants who made both of this year’s parades, one of the best St. Croix has seen,” said the commissioner.
“On behalf of the Division of Festivals and Department of Tourism we proudly announce the Children’s and Adults Parade winners,” said Director Turnbull.
