With the unwrapping of gifts and family lunches over, St. Croix, and the rest of the territory, turns its attention to the Crucian Christmas Festival, which officially begins today. Here’s a look at the lineup of activities. 

The Prince, Princess, Duchess, Duke and Jr. Miss Pageant kicks off the carnival festivities on December 26. Ahead of the pageant, you can vote for the Viya’s People’s Choice title in each category.

With the Calypso Monarch Competition canceled this year, December 27 will instead feature the first ever Children’s Night at Festival Village. The addition is meant to engage the youngest members of the St. Croix community with entertainment and activities tailored for them, and signals the Division of Festivals’ commitment to inclusive and family-friendly programming.

The Miss St. Croix Festival Queen Pageant is slated for December 28, while the official opening of Festival Village is on December 29, with the International Cultural Night. 

Soca Monarch follows on December 30, with a special New Years Eve celebration on December 31. 

On the first night of 2024, the Festival Village will host Latin Night, with Sweet Melanin Ladies Night following on January 2.

January 3 is dedicated to the Food, Crafts & Arts Fair in the day. During the night, the Festival Village will host the Ubersoca Night, wrapping around into J’Ouvert on January 4. Later that evening will be Lovers & Friends Reggae Night, with the Children’s Parade taking place the next day, January 5.

The evening of the 5th will be a live music extravaganza with Band-O-Rama Night, while Carnival celebrations will culminate on January 6 with the Adults Parade, a fireworks display, and Afrosoca night, following which the village will officially close.