Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
MANGO MELEE
The St George Village Botanical Garden celebrates St Croix's fruity bounty with a day of
mango sips, salsas and sweets. The eating contest is the highlight - a wild frenzy of sticky
orange excess. Held in late June (
www.sgvbg.org
)
.
July
July holds several holidays: Emancipation Day and Independence Day in the USVI,
and Territory Day in the BVI. The US islands honor Hurricane Supplication Day on
July's fourth Monday, as the winds begin to blow…
ST JOHN CARNIVAL
St John's biggest celebration brings on the mocko jumbies, steel pan bands, parades and
musical competitions. The party surrounds Emancipation Day (July 3) and US Independ-
ence Day (July 4).
August
Augustispeakhurricaneseason,alongwithSeptember.Butit'snotallstormyweath-
er. Several big events still rock the islands. Conch and lobster disappear from menus
as stocks replenish during the annual fishing moratorium.
BVI EMANCIPATION FESTIVAL
Held on Tortola, the BVI's premier cultural event features everything from beauty pageants
to horse racing to 'rise and shine tramps' (3am parades led by reggae bands). The celebra-
tion marks the 1834 Emancipation Act that abolished slavery here (
www.bvitourism.com
)
.
TEXAS SOCIETY CHILI COOK-OFF
More than 40 chefs stir the pot on the beach at Brewers Bay on St Thomas, while 4500
chili lovers brave the heat to eat. Crazy costumes, tug-of-war contests and steel pan bands
are all part of package. The date varies.
