Year-Long Masquerading Initiative Culminates at Dorsch Center With Youth Troupe, Cultural Bearers and Emancipation History

FREDERIKSTED, ST. CROIX — A year-long effort to preserve and teach Virgin Islands masquerading traditions culminated July 2 at the Dorsch Cultural Activity Center, where more than 70 residents attended a pre-Emancipation Day program focused on the history, music, movement and community role of one of the territory’s oldest living traditions. The program, Keeping Masquerading Traditions Alive, was presented by the Division of Virgin Islands Cultural Education in collaboration with the Caribbean Centers for Boys and Girls as part of Virgin Islands Freedom Week observances and the territory’s pre-Emancipation Day programming. The initiative was supported through the Healing Humanities Initiative of the St. Croix Foundation. The evening included scholarship, storytelling, music, movement and performance centered on Virgin Islands masquerading. Designed as a pre-Emancipation Day program, it invited the community to consider how masquerading, music, satire, storytelling and public performa...