A Friday night in early summer saw the opening of St. John Celebration Village in Cruz Bay. Residents and visitors by the hundreds flocked to the venue to get the six-day party started.
Music by the Love City Pan Dragons brightened the atmosphere by late afternoon as last-minute preparations rolled into place around the stage. Through partially lowered shutters, booth operators set up bar service and rolled out johnnycake dough.
Swirling nightclub lights splashed colors across the village grounds as a deejay played and early arrivals tried some dance steps. Up on the music stage, village honoree Gwenda Dagou took a seat in the front row.
At the opening ceremony, officials and community leaders praised Dagou for sharing her love of cooking and serving as a pillar of the St. John community. She was featured in the 2023 edition of Destinations Magazine as one of the island’s top chefs.
“I’ve been tasting Miss Gwen’s hand since elementary school and also getting some of her tough love. Tough love is the best love,” said Senator-at-Large Angel Bolques Jr. “You are definitely honored and respected and loved by the people of St. John.”
She was introduced to the crowd by her granddaughter, Linique Dagou as “very, very hardworking, and that is the one thing she has instilled in her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.”
As she accepted a bouquet and a plaque from Assistant Tourism Commissioner Alani Henneman and emcee Shatik Stevens, the honoree addressed the audience. “Eat good, drink too, but most of all save space to enjoy St. John Celebration 2024,” Dagou said.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach and Senate President Novelle Francis Jr. offered praise for Dagou and wishes for a safe and festive event marking Virgin Islands Emancipation Day on July 3 followed by U.S. Independence Day on July 4. The governor also praised Tourism’s Division of Festivals for “doing an awesome job” of staging three big cultural events each year — St. Thomas Carnival, Crucian Christmas Festival and the St. John Celebration.
This year’s celebration theme is “Celebration and Class Galore for St. John Celebration 2024.”
Klimaxx Band swung into action moments after the ribbon was snipped and boatloads of party goers filled the village square.
Saturday’s lineup includes Bunji Garlin & Fayann, Kai Cruz Rock, Shaw HP & Mic Love.
Celebration Village’s Sunday night stage features Karnage, Spectrum Band, Tian Winter and Grandmasters.
