ST. CROIX — The Soup for Your Soul Festival will return to the Frederiksted Waterfront in 2025 with over two dozen soup and food vendors, an expanded cultural focus, and additional programming aimed at deepening community engagement, according to comments provided to The Consortium by event organizer Cristina Robles on Wednesday.
The Second Annual Soup for Your Soul Festival is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and is being positioned as a larger and more immersive continuation of its inaugural year. Organizers say the 2025 edition expands both in size and scope, with more vendors, more activities, and a stronger emphasis on local culture and shared community experiences.
“The Soup for Your Soul Festival is returning in 2025 bigger and better than ever before,” Robles said. “Building on the success of our inaugural event, this year’s festival has expanded to create a richer, more vibrant experience for everyone in our community.”
According to Robles, one of the most significant changes this year is the growth in participating vendors offering a wide range of soups, local dishes, beverages, and desserts, alongside a separate lineup of craft vendors and small business showcases.
Beyond the culinary offerings, the festival’s programming has been broadened to include live entertainment, cultural performances, cultural education elements, interactive experiences, and family-friendly attractions designed for all age groups.
“This year’s festival is also more culturally based, proudly highlighting our local traditions, music, flavors, and community heritage,” Robles said. “From culturally inspired soups to performances and displays, the event is designed to celebrate who we are and bring people together through shared experiences.”
The festival will again be held on the Frederiksted Waterfront, a setting organizers say enhances the overall experience through improved scenery and a more open layout. The waterfront location allows for a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere, giving attendees space to explore the festival while enjoying the surroundings.
Robles described the event as more than a single-day gathering, emphasizing its broader purpose within the community.
“The 2025 Soup for Your Soul Festival is more than an event—it is a celebration of community, culture, and connection,” she said. “We are excited to welcome everyone to experience a festival that has truly grown in heart, size, and impact. A melting pot all in one spot!”
A new educational feature debuting this year is the Kids Cooking Club, which will operate as a dedicated learning station within the festival. Robles said the program is designed to combine fun, hands-on activities with meaningful instruction.
According to organizers, the Kids Cooking Club will teach children how to prepare a variety of soups and local dishes while introducing skills such as teamwork, creativity, and healthy cooking habits. The hands-on format is intended to help children develop an appreciation for culture, nutrition, and cooking.
Vendors and Booth Layout
The official vendor map lists 28 soup and food vendors participating in the 2025 festival. They include the Soup Festival Committee, Cee Jays Lemonade, Gas Lamp, Biggz Cuisine, Chef Buddy, In The Mix Cakery, The Landing Beach Bar, Panchi, Local Harvest, Starbros, 1 Twelve, Malcolm Mc-Gregor, Common Sense Drinks, Pretty Yummy Lemonade, Gas Away–Marsh Dubois, Dave Edwards Foundation, Clarke’s BBQ Firehouse, Crucian Beezy Bees, 340 All In One, Omah’s Caribbean Delights, Ultra Lounge at Chris Hideaway, Sorbitere Homemade Ice Cream & Sorbet, Island Squeeze Lemonade, Roti Master, Lexi’s Coquito, Roasted Corn, Leslies Fraco, and Spicy Sugar.
Craft vendors slated to participate include Heavenly Henna, Two of A Kind USVI, Jennifer Parris, Nelly’s Toys, 506 Scents and Co, Lady C Designs, St. Croix Mermaid, Velma’s Hot Sauce & Preservatives, Vibes Natural, Rugged, Kuttin Style, Earls Child-Party Service, LaVeda’s Creation, Queen Char Jewelry, Pin Me Pretty, and Philosophy of Beauty.
The event is supported by numerous sponsors and partners, including Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Caravelle Hotel & Casino, Liberty, Plaza East, the Virgin Islands Lottery, The Buccaneer, Cruzan Rum, Prosperity Farm Distillery, Bates Trucking, The Market, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, Cost-U-Less, Budget St. Croix, Sonya’s Fine Island Jewelry, La Reine Chicken Shack, Sand Castle on the Beach, Falcon, CC1 Virgin Islands, Hop In Car Rentals, and House of Printing.
Organizers say the expanded number of food vendors, added educational programming, cultural emphasis, and waterfront setting reflect the festival’s continued growth from its first year into a larger community-centered celebration rooted in food, culture, and connection.
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