Independence Day on St. John
Ahoy! Ever wonder how the Virgin Islands celebrate Independence Day? You might be surprised to learn that on the little island of St. John, the lineup of events is truly spectacular! In fact, it’s one of their largest cultural celebrations of the year – music, parades, fireworks, and boat races that stretch from mid-June through July 4th. Blending elements of culture, tradition and patriotism, the island honors Emancipation Day and Independence Day with carnival enthusiasm and activities.
The History
On July 3, 1848, when St. John was ruled by the Danish, slavery was abolished and to celebrate that historic moment, islanders paraded through the streets in jubilation. Today that iconic moment is recognized and celebrated along with the national holiday of Independence Day on July 4th. Instead of one day or a weekend of festivities, though, the festivities last for several weeks. With this year marking USA’s 250th birthday celebration, the party is lasting nearly a month!
The Elements
Celebration Village – Typically located in the Cruz Bay parking lot, this is the town square where you’ll find vendors dressed in plaid madras or traditional clothing, artist’s booths selling local crafts and handiwork, carnival rides, and plenty of food – think fish, fungi, and lots of rum punch! Add to that some lively music and you have an all-day party that stretches late into the evening. (This year the village is open from June 28 thru July 4th.)
PAN-O-RAMA – Nothing says you’re in the Virgin Islands better than a steel pan competition that has the best of the best competing against each other with tunes from every genre, including reggae, calypso, soca, R&B, and even pop songs. So put on your dancing shoes, head to Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park, and get ready to groove to the music. This is definitely a highlight of the festivities and so very Caribbean. (This happens about mid-June, so if you missed it, plan on being there next year!)
Food Fair – Ever wondered what curried goat tastes like? Or mango tarts? This is your chance to sample divine island cuisine. Authentic dishes like Johnny Cakes, conch fritters, pates and rotis are on the menu as well as upscale dishes by local chefs who compete for “Best Dish” honors. My suggestion: make room for sampling some refreshing island drinks infused with passion fruit or guavaberries. You’ll feel refreshed even in the July heat. (This, too, takes place in June at Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park, along with the boat races in Cruz Bay Harbor, so plan ahead for next year!)
J’OUVERT – This is for those early risers who wake up ready to party! The term “j’ouvert” is French for “daybreak,” and to participate in this craziness, you’ll have to get up well before dawn on July 3rd, simply to prepare for the event. Smearing your body with mud, powder, and paint is step #1 of the ritual. Then, you’ll head over to the headquarters for the St. John National Park. From there, you’ll parade into the streets to dance and make noise. You’ll have to make a lot of noise to be heard, though, as loud calypso music will be accompanying you. From what I’ve heard, you definitely want to wear old clothes because things can get a bit messy. Sounds like the perfect exercise to tap into your inner child!
After the revelry, a more somber ceremony, the Emancipation Day program, takes place to honor the abolition of slavery in the Virgin Islands. That evening around 7pm, the Torch Light Parade, a glowing, ceremonial and deeply moving procession, moves through Cruz Bay.
The Parade – This July 4th event can take all day so head to Cruz Bay early to reserve a shady spot and wait for the action to begin. (Thankfully, there are lots of accessible food and drink options to complement this affair.) Be forewarned – the starting time is always questionable, but once the parade begins, it goes on and on. The feast for the senses includes floats, steel pan groups, dance troupes, masqueraders, and even a few brave souls on stilts. Flashy costumes of feathers and sequins make it a dazzling event.
The Big Shibang – The culmination of this celebration of independence is watching the fireworks that light up the sky over Cruz Harbor. Truly, there’s no lack of “oohs” and “aahs.” This is the closing element of the month-long celebration of emancipation and independence, so sit back, relax, and take it all in as those gentle trade winds wrap around you.
Plan Ahead – Make the most of your stay by reaching out ahead of time to make dinner reservations, hotel stays, etc. The island is busy during this time of celebration so sites like www.visitusvi.com and the Virgin Islands National Park can help with your plans.
End Notes: Summer is the perfect time to visit the Virgin Islands and booking a boat day with Stormy Pirates will make your trip complete. Give us a call and we’ll be glad to customize a day on the water to meet your needs. As always, we’ll lower the gang plank and escort you in style. Wishing you a “Happy Fourth of July” and hope you’ll celebrate with us!