An elborate costume being paraded through the town of Christiansted on March 18, 2023 for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. By. V.I. CONSORTIUM
Revelers were back at it on Saturday for the St. Patrick's Day Parade, an event that has been held on St. Croix for over five decades.
The 52nd annual affair on the Big Island, as St. Croix is called, had all the trappings of past years: green and white dotted downtown Christiansted where the event was held, beginning at Fort Christiansvaern as participants paraded through Company Street, Market Street then turned onto King Street to wind up back at the Fort. Usual participants St. Croix Majorettes, The Domino Club and the Gentlemen of Jones brought their celebratory flare, while many other groups kept the event lively. Green necklaces, a mainstay given out at St. Patrick Day parades, were in abundance as were smiles from revelers.
It was the second St. Patrick's Day Parade on St. Croix following the pandemic, with the first post-Covid event taking place in 2022. However, this year the parade came back roaring with big crowds and euphoria.
Courtney Leaf, attendee of the parade said while it was not her first year, she looked forward to everything the parade had to offer. “It’s the best parade day ever," she exclaimed. "This is my second parade. Every year I look forward to the community coming together."
Daniel Rivera was impressed by the strong attendance. “This year had a huge turnout," he said. "I love the music and food and I will definitely be back next year."
Brian Daley, an attendee for the past 23 years was happy to be outside with friends enjoying the festivities. “So happy to be back out on the streets for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. This is about my 23rd year coming out to this event. I’m having a great time. I love seeing everyone back on the road and having a full-size parade route. All of the regulars are back to include The Lost Dog Pub, The Domino Club, Gentlemen of Jones and the St. Croix Majorettes,” he said.
Saint Patrick's Day, or the Feast of Saint Patrick is a religious and cultural holiday held on March 17, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland. Saint Patrick's Day was made an official Christian feast day in the early 17th century and is observed by the Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion (especially the Church of Ireland), the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Lutheran Church, according to historic documentation. Records also show that a St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 17, 1601 in a Spanish colony led by an Irish priest from Spain named Ricardo Artur.
