Student Picks: Top 5 Festivals of St. Croix
STUDENT/GUEST BLOGGER Alexis M. King, a high school student born and raised on St. Croix, is the author of this post. Alexis has created a teenage superhero character named ‘Mini Mathilda’, who will show you her Top 5 recommendations for festivals to attend on St. Croix.
Mathilda’s Top 5 Favorite Festivals to attend on St. Croix:
5. Mango Melee
Mango Melee is a festival that’s held on island every summer to celebrate the beginning of Mango season! Held eachyear at Botanical Gardens, the festival includes a variety of Mango products including; soaps, essential oils, pastries, soda, and Armstrong Ice Cream’s Island famous festival ice cream! Looking to challenge yourself and do something spontaneous? You can also take part in our popular Mango eating contest for a chance to take home the gold!
4. St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of those events you really don’t want to miss! With elaborate costumes, floats, and a new theme every year, the Parade brings out the shamrock spirit in all of us! Are you a fan or cosplay and costume themed events? Dare yourself to embrace your Irish or free spirited side and dress in any green attire from goofy top-hats to wigs and bow ties! Tired out from all the partying and trying to figure out what to eat? Check out some of our eating establishments in Downtown Christiansted and try our top two St. Patty specials: Corned Beef and Cabbage and the Corned Beef Reuben.
3. Mardi Croix
If your looking for a festival that mixes Louisiana and Crucian culture into one big creole extravaganza, then this is the festival for you! To pay homage to Mardi Gras and celebrate Lent, Mardi Croix is festival that holds elaborate parades every year at Cane Bay Beach. What better way to party than to check out a parade and be able to swim in the summer heat, Virgin Pina Colada in hand?
2. Jump Up
Jump Up is a festival that occurs 4 times a year in downtown Christiansted. Occuring every Summer, Black Friday, and around Valentine’s Day, the event has a variety of restaurants and shops to choose from! Want to check out live entertainment? You can check out our Mocko Jumbie performers on their death-defying stilts or our fire dancing troupe, CoralFire, as they dance with their tools and instruments of fire!
1. Ag Fair
Want to fully take in the Crucian culture we have to offer on island? Then this is the fair for you! Considered by far to be the mother of Crucian Festivals, the Agriculture and Food Fair offers everything from local food, markets and traditions to our Island famous Petting Zoo! The fair also has a mini amusement park for the kids to check out and Quadrille Dance, the most popular form of dance in Crucian culture and a must if your want to try something new with your significant other!
If you like this, be sure to check out my Top 5 Places To Go, and learn more about me and Alexis by clicking on the links below. Happy exploring!
-Mini Mathilda, Student/Guest Blogger
