The Crucian Christmas Festival (or Carnival), during December and Januar, is a month long celebration on the Caribbean island of St Croix, one of the Caribbean US Virgin Islands.

Carnival takes place on many Caribbean islands at different times of the year and on St. Croix it starts in December and culminates the first week of January near Three Kings Day.

www.usvifestivals.vi

Carnival on St Croix incorporates modern day celebrations with standing traditions that date back to the early 1800s when enslaved Africans were allowed time off to celebrate Christmas.

During this time they dressed up in costumes, paraded through the streets, and visited other plantations.

There was also dancing, music and general merrymaking.

In 1952, these traditions were revived into an annual organised festival of events now know as the Crucian Christmas Carnival.

While most of the Carnival action happens in Frederiksted at the official Carnival Village, there are events across the island wide that include musical competitions, pageants for Carnival royalty and cultural activities.

There are also fairs showcasing local arts, crafts, foods, and drinks with all the festivities culminating in the Childrens' Parade and then the Adults' Parade.

Useful links

www.gotostcroix.com