St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Crucians have been known to celebrate anything, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is no exception. With St. Croix’s diverse history and cultures, there’s something to celebrate year round! The St. Patrick’s Day Parade on St. Croix is known all over as one of the biggest parties of the year. People plan their vacation around this event (and I am sure past and current residents suddenly turn up sick from work to attend!). Surprisingly, this parade is the only one on St. Croix known to EVER start on time. The grand marshall promptly steps out at 11:00am to allow the festivities begin…at least the official ones. Many of the parade goers have already treated themselves to the local food and drinks that line the streets of the parade route.
Christiansted’s streets turn into a sea of green as the masses turn out to enjoy the floats from local businesses and groups tossing beads, candy, favors, even cooling off the crowd with a Super Soaker. Each float has a theme and the participants dress accordingly (in green of course). The crowd watching the festivities also turn out in their most outrageous green finest. After the parade down King Street, the local bars and restaurants keep the party going with live music, food and drinks. The St. Patty’s Day Parade is truly is a Caribbean-Irish party not to be missed!
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is organized by private businesses and individuals. The funds raised by the parade entries go to local charities and organizations. Thank you to the parade committee, the police department who keep the streets safe, the vendors who provide food and drinks, and the clean up committee – who clean up all the fun!
Date/Time:
The parade usually takes place on the Saturday closest to or before St. Patrick’s Day at 11:00am. Please check our calendar for the month of March to see this year’s parade date once it is confirmed.
Time: @
Location:
The parade takes place in downtown Christiansted along Company Street and King Street.
History:
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade began in 1969 when a group of local businessmen convened in a bar on Queen Cross Street. The conversation got around to holidays and why St. Patrick’s Day wasn’t celebrated in the Virgin Islands. Deciding that something had to be done right away, the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was born.
The the newly organized committee and fellow supporters created a float comprised of a stakebed truck with a piano on top. Then, they hopped aboard, and started down the streets singing Irish and local songs and saluting passers-by who came out to see what was going on. Those who were already wearing green got into the spirit at once, while others who needed something green ran into the shops to find it. Some even joined the procession! Thus, the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was born. To this day, it is going strong and is an important day for the community, beneficiaries and tourists.
