The Virgin Islands Paté Festival, now in its second year, has quickly become a cherished event in St. Croix, celebrating the rich culinary traditions and vibrant culture of the region. Held at the Agricultural Fairgrounds, this year’s festival promises a day filled with family-friendly activities, live music, and, of course, a variety of delicious patés.

The festival, which runs from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on June 22, is organized by SMT Enterprise and Laced Legacy. It aims to provide a fun and safe environment for attendees of all ages. Admission fees are modest, with children aged 6-12 and seniors 65 and up paying $5, adults aged 13-64 paying $10, and children under 5 entering for free​​.

Patés, a beloved local delicacy, take center stage at this festival. These savory pastries are known for their crispy, crunchy dough filled with a variety of delicious fillings such as beef, chicken, saltfish, conch, or vegetables. The festival offers attendees the opportunity to sample different paté creations from various vendors, ensuring a unique culinary experience​.

In addition to food, the festival will feature live performances by local bands such as No Problemo, The TSK (Ten Sleepless Knights), and R&B artist Deri. Soca artist PUMPA and DJ Lips International will also be performing, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the day. The Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies, known for their stilt-walking performances, will entertain the crowd with their skills​.

One of the festival highlights is the Best Paté Competition, where judges will sample and evaluate patés in categories like meat, seafood, and veggie. Winners will receive trophies, prizes, and bragging rights. There will also be a People’s Choice award for the best paté, in honor of the late Rosalia Ayala, a celebrated local chef known for her exceptional patés. This award allows festival-goers to vote for their favorite vendor, adding an interactive element to the event​.

Craft vendors will also be present, offering a range of local goods, and there will be numerous attractions for children. The festival aims to support the local community and businesses, with sponsors including Viya, Neighborhood Pharmacy, and the Department of Tourism, among others​​.

The Virgin Islands Paté Festival not only celebrates a beloved culinary tradition but also fosters community spirit and cultural pride. With its diverse offerings and inclusive environment, the festival is poised to become a staple event in the Virgin Islands, eagerly anticipated by locals and visitors alike.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently unveiled its annual list of America’s 11 most endangered historic places, with the Estate Whim Museum in Frederiksted, St. Croix, earning a spot due to its significant yet vulnerable status.

Carol Quillen, president and CEO of the National Trust, emphasized the evolving recognition of American history, noting, “Our collective idea of American history has expanded to include those previously left at the margins. This year’s list reflects that broader perspective, recognizing sites across all U.S. territories as integral parts of our national narrative.”

The Estate Whim Museum’s history dates back to the Danish colonization of St. Croix, starting as a cotton and sugar plantation in 1743 and utilizing the labor of enslaved Africans until the 1848 emancipation sparked by a revolt. Post-emancipation, the site witnessed the 1978 Fireburn labor revolt. Acquired by the U.S. government in 1932 after the U.S. purchased the Virgin Islands, the 12-acre site has been preserved as a museum by the St. Croix Landmarks Society since 1954.

Today, the museum displays a range of artifacts, including Crucian furniture and decorative arts within its original sugar mills and slave quarters. These historic structures suffered extensive damage during Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. The ongoing recovery has been slow, forcing the museum to rely on temporary measures such as tarpaulins to shield the fragile structures crafted by 18th-century enslaved masons and carpenters.

The urgency of repairs is clear to the Landmarks Society, which is rallying support and resources for preservation. Highlighting the museum’s endangered status aims to inspire a collective effort to safeguard this crucial part of USVI history.

In tandem with the endangered listing, a new initiative promises potential restoration. “We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of the Virgin Islands’ Office of Disaster Recovery to fast-track the much-needed repairs to the museum properties,” explained Valencio Jackson, chair of the St. Croix Landmarks Society. The MOU positions the Office of Disaster Recovery as the project’s lead management entity.

Governor Bryan, who endorsed the MOU, expressed, “The Estate Whim Museum is not just a pivotal historical site but also a symbol of the resilience and spirit of our people. Let us advance together, strengthened by our past, as we restore and rejuvenate this cornerstone of Virgin Islands history.”

ST. THOMAS — Wednesday transformed Crown Bay into a bustling hub of activity during the much-anticipated annual Carnival Food Fair. The event drew crowds that included mainstay vendors who offered a taste of the Virgin Islands’ rich culinary traditions. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere were hundreds of tourists from the cruise ship Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas, who discovered a delightful array of local food, arts, and crafts.