The streets of Cruz Bay came alive with music and festivity as the 70th St. John Celebration parade unfolded on Thursday. Spectators eagerly lined the roadsides, witnessing masqueraders in feathered and bejeweled costumes dancing behind trucks that carried popular local bands.

Virgin Islanders from across the territory gathered in St. John to join the Celebration. Among the highlights were five troupes from St. Thomas, unified under the “What-Ah-Real-Epic-Allure Mas & Posh” banner, along with the St. Thomas majorettes.

St. John’s own troupes were also prominently featured. L’Amour depicted the “Rize of the Phoenix” with fiery yellow costumes, while Diamonds and Gems dazzled in a vibrant rainbow of colors. Cameras captured Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach enjoying the festivities with members of the Gypsies troupe. The children of the St. John School of the Arts delighted the crowd with a mini-Broadway performance. The Elskoe and Associates troupe impressed with their portrayal of “Carnival is Royalty and Splendor,” showcasing elaborate costumes in red, purple, and gold.

Local Carnival royalty graced the event, with the reigning Prince and Princess, Jr. Miss, and Miss St. John making appearances.

The celebration continued even after the last troupes exited the square. Spectators moved to the Cruz Bay harbor to enjoy a spectacular fireworks display, capping off the 2024 St. John Celebration in style.

ST. JOHN — On a bright Sunday afternoon, the 2024 St. John Celebration continued with its annual food fair, marking a milestone 70th year of festivities. This year, the celebration honored a special community pillar, Margaret Sayer, for her unwavering volunteer work and contributions since the event’s inception in 1954.

The St. John Celebration, renowned for its vibrant cultural events, includes an array of activities such as pageants, boat races, and the highly anticipated food fair. This year, the Division of Festivals chose to recognize individuals who exemplify the island’s rich cultural heritage. Margaret Sayer, celebrated as the Food Fair Honoree, has been instrumental in the event’s success over the decades, helping to shape the festivities that locals and visitors alike enjoy today​ (CaribMagPlus)​​ (Travel And Tour World)​.

Commissioner Joseph Boschulte of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s lineup, which began on June 8 with the Pan-O-Rama and will continue throughout the month. The festival aims to showcase the deep cultural history of St. John, culminating in grand parades and a spectacular fireworks display on July 4th​ (The Virgin Islands Consortium)​​ (St. Thomas Source)​.

Director of Festivals Ian Turnbull highlighted the significance of recognizing community figures like Sayer. “Her dedication and efforts have been pivotal in preserving and promoting our cultural traditions,” he noted, underscoring the importance of such acknowledgments in maintaining the festival’s vibrant spirit.

The St. John Celebration not only celebrates the island’s heritage but also honors its people, making it a cornerstone event in the U.S. Virgin Islands’ cultural calendar. This year’s festivities promise to be a colorful and cultural jamboree, reflecting the island’s enduring legacy and community pride.

The 70th St. John Celebration Queen pageant commenced with vibrant competition on Saturday night, featuring contestants J’Naiya Squiabro and Sher’Niah Freeman. Both contestants took the stage in striking silver dresses adorned with fringe, setting the tone for an evening of elegance and talent.

J’Naiya Squiabro, a recent Ivanna Eudora Kean High School graduate and U.S. Army enlistee, introduced herself as “the chosen one.” Meanwhile, Sher’Niah Freeman, a sophomore at the University of the Virgin Islands, declared she embodied “the undeniable essence of a queen.” Their opening speeches, each worth up to 25 points, showcased their confidence and set high expectations for the evening.

The swimwear segment followed, with contestants judged on poise, modeling technique, fit, and stage presence for a total of 50 points. Squiabro dazzled in a sequined white monokini, dubbed “Platinum Jubilee,” accentuated with strategically placed gems. Freeman opted for a blush-colored maillot in crushed velvet, featuring a mesh cutout and deeper pink gems at the waist.

The next segment required the contestants to display their talents while donning “international wear,” scored out of 100 points. Squiabro’s “Welcome to Guatemala” presentation featured a costume inspired by the National Palace of Culture and the Museum of Archaeology, complemented by a hand-painted skirt and a white winged headpiece. She performed the “Dance of the Conquest,” transitioning into a sequined bodice and mesh ruffled skirt for a dynamic dance and drum performance.

Freeman paid tribute to Celia Cruz, the “Queen of Salsa,” with a vibrant yellow-orange ombre duster, orange wig, and gem-encrusted sunglasses. She performed “A Negra Tiene Tumbao” and portrayed the history of Afro-Cubans, donning flowing white garments and a pale blue shimmery dress for the Tumba Francesca dance. Despite wardrobe malfunctions, Freeman closed with a spirited salsa performance in a sequined Cuban flag ball gown.

The evening wear segment, also worth 100 points, saw Squiabro in a royal purple gown with crystal columns and tasseled off-shoulder sleeves. Freeman chose a white column gown with strategically placed sequins and fringe.

During the question and answer segment, worth 25 points, Squiabro proposed opening a clinic for young people’s mental wellbeing, emphasizing gradual emotional openness. Freeman suggested community seminars to educate on mental health warning signs and advocated for mental health classes in schools.

After the personal interview scores were combined with the evening’s performances, the judges deliberated. Amidst the audience’s anticipation, Sher’Niah Freeman was crowned the 2024 St. John Celebration Queen, to the delight of the cheering crowd.