St. Croix woke up early on Thursday. By 6 a.m., hundreds of expectant revelers had coalesced around Centerline Road and Emancipation Drive. Flatbed trucks and sound systems came alive an hour later, and the 72nd Crucian Christmas Festival J’ouvert began.
The sun was fully up and thousands of people had joined the fete by the time it turned down Fisker Gade and made its way into downtown Frederiksted.
Island Vybez led the main group for most of the morning — with music by Karnage, Shaw HP and more. J’ouvert Junction rolled into Frederiksted early, filling the streets with paint, powder and the sounds of PUMPA, QC Deh Band, SupaTrakz and DJ Chubby.
For anyone with gas left in the tank — or whose Thursday afternoon plans included a full meal and a nap — the festivities were slated to continue well into the small hours of Friday morning with Flag-O-Rama at the Festival Village. The night’s lineup included DJ Avalanche, Exodus HD, Black Empire, Temisha, and Blind Earz featuring Sisa, Bugz Bugs and Problem Child.
This year’s J’ouvert was originally scheduled to bump up against the Food Fair. Amid public outcry, USVI Festivals altered their calendar and put J’ouvert back on the Thursday morning before the Children’s Parade, like in years past.
In a statement released on social media, the V.I. Police Department thanked the community for a safe and enjoyable fete.
“Much coordination was made to ensure adequate security was present to provide a secure event for reveling residents and visitors,” the department stated. “The VIPD extends its gratitude to its officers for their unwavering commitment in protecting the community during this festive event.”
