The Start of St. Croix’s Festive Season: Lantern Motorcade and Coconut Festival Highlights

The island of St. Croix recently kicked off its festive season, echoing the joy and community spirit of last year’s Mobile Lantern Motorcade. This event, a cherished tradition, made its way through the island’s communities once again on Saturday. Known as the “Big Island,” St. Croix was alive with the sounds of Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights, bringing smiles to faces young and old.

Organized by the Crucian Cultural Group, the Motorcade’s highlight was the procession of vibrantly decorated vehicles, filled with the melodies of Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights and the Gentlemen of Jones, creating a festive atmosphere across St. Croix.

Simultaneously, the island celebrated the 7th annual Coconut Festival. The festival began on Friday with a “Fine Arts Exhibit” and continued into the weekend. On December 2, the festival officially opened, followed by the “Taste of Coconut & Family Day” on December 3, offering a rich blend of culinary delights and family-friendly activities.

These events mark the start of a promising December filled with cultural, celebratory, and entertainment activities. Notably, on December 8, the Limpricht Park Tree Lighting will illuminate downtown Christiansted from 7-10 p.m., coinciding with the Wine in the Warehouse event at Bohlke International Airways from 6-9 p.m. The festivities continue on December 9 with the annual Boat Parade along the Christiansted boardwalk, a much-anticipated event featuring beautifully decorated boats and a grand fireworks display, drawing thousands of spectators.

While various events will unfold in the coming days, the season will reach its peak with the opening of the Crucian Christmas Festival on December 26, promising an exhilarating celebration of St. Croix’s rich cultural heritage.