Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
eagerly awaited events and have grown from week-long par-
tying to elaborate festivals. A way for islanders to celebrate
their West Indian culture, they date back to when Africans
first arrived on the islands. There are colorful parades, cos-
tumed revelers, fabulous floats, food fairs, all-night partying
to calypso and scratch bands, beauty pageants and tradi-
tional “mocko jumbie” stiltwalkers. St. Croix celebrates in
December into early January, St. John's celebration starts
in June and culminates over July 4th weekend, while St.
Thomas celebrates in April. The Tourist Board maintains an
event calendar on its website. Check for events and dates at
www.usvitourism.vi.
Specifics on Carnival are detailed
in each island chapter.
Some annual events that stand out include:
Scratch & Fungi Band Fiesta
, December, St.
Thomas
Bastille Day Celebrations & French Heritage
Week
, July, St. Thomas
St. John Blues Fest
, March, St. John
Coral Bay's Thanksgiving Regatta
, November,
St. John
St. Croix International Regatta
, February, St.
Croix Yacht Club
Half Ironman Triathlon
, May, St. Croix
Open
Atlantic
Blue
Marlin
Tournament
,
July/August, St. Thomas
Tourism Contacts
The Division of Tourism, which is under the aegis of the
Dept. of Commerce, maintains local tourist offices on each
island and in major US cities. They offer literature, maps
and up-to-the-minute information.
