Celebrate on Your 2017 Vacation in St. Thomas and St. John!
Things to Do on Vacation in St. Thomas and St. John in 2017!
If you’re booking a vacation soon, consider making your vacation in St. Thomas or St. John in the US Virgin Islands. There is a multitude of different celebrations and events that occur throughout the year. Allow yourself to fully immerse in the island culture by attending one of these fabulous celebrations, you will not be disappointed! We decided to break it down for you and give you a list of the festivals and celebrations that take place on St. Thomas and St John. We will break it down by month for the rest of 2017, highlighting the events we found courtesy of Visit USVI’s Event Calendar for the activities and events you will not want to miss!
Centennial Commemoration!
On March 31st, 2017, the Virgin Islands will be celebrating the 100th year anniversary of their transfer day from the Danish West Indies to the United States. The activities will include parades, concerts, exhibitions on culture, food, music and more! Celebrate the history of the USVI with us on your St. Thomas Vacation!
Virgin Island Carnival
In the month of April, enjoy the 65th Carnival Celebration in the Virgin Islands. The carnival will have a theme of, “A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Carnival Celebration.” There will be a multitude of activities that you can enjoy while on vacation in St. Thomas and St. John. If pageantry interests you, you can enjoy the Prince and Princess Show in Lionel Roberts Stadium on Sunday, April 9th! The show starts at 5, and you will not want to miss these contestants. If you are looking to immerse yourself in the Virgin Islands culture, consider one of these activities:
Carnival Village
“The Village” is filled with colorful booths serving delicacies and exotic desserts from the Caribbean. There is also a grand opening of the village that is full of anticipation and even features a ribbon cutting ceremony. A Coney Island-esque amusement park is usually nearby for the children to enjoy.
Cultural Night
Enjoy the many aspects of the Virgin Islands’ traditions and culture with performances by various schools, organizations, groups, and individuals. Some of the most popular entertainment groups include the Quadrille Dancers and the Maypole Dancers.
Cultural Fair
Made up of many small booths and tables, you will find an exciting and diverse mix of local foods, drinks, pastries, handmade arts, and more. These booths are often fundraisers for local churches and schools.
Traditional Games
The traditional games can be an affair fit for the whole family. From Tee Toe Tum to Two-Wheel Barrow Races, there are games that the whole family can enjoy. The games are an event that most children on the islands look forward too!
For something more carefree and easy, consider checking out the 2017 VI Carnival Adult’s Parade on Saturday, April 29th. The parade will be led by a colorful and jovial man named Ambrose F. Schmidt, better known as “Boots.”
Coal Pot Cook-Off
In the month of May, you may be able to experience the Coal Pot Cook-Off among various chefs that reside on the island. The chefs are competing for the title “Best Coal Pot Chef” on the island and visitors will have the chance to taste their delicious samples. This event takes place in the Emancipation Garden in St. Thomas!
King of the Wing Contest
June brings tasty chicken wings! On Saturday, June 10th, 2017, teams will come together to compete for the best tasting chicken wing. They have spent weeks and months preparing their perfect and top-secret chicken wing recipes. If you are on vacation in St. Thomas during this time, be sure to check out this event! https://www.facebook.com/pg/alpinekow/about/
28th Annual Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament
If you are traveling to the Virgin Islands in July, perhaps you will be interested in this inshore fishing tournament. It will take place on Sunday, July 17th, 2017 and will begin at 530am. The fishing will conclude at noon, and there will be a beachside party following the tournament. This tournament is the biggest fishing tournament in the Virgin Islands that offers the best prices and has the most participants!
National Agricultures and Farmers Market Week
From August 5-9, 2017, you can visit the local farmers and agricultures market! Find locally-grown fruits and vegetables as well as locally caught fish!
40th Annual October Sunday Music Fest
The October Sunday is celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2017! The event’s proceeds benefit the Family Resource Center, and it takes place in October to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The headliners of the music fest include Broc Lee & Katalyss and Lourdes & The Switch. Check out this event from 11am-6pm on Sunday, October 9th, 2017!
DINE VI: USVI Restaurant Week
From Thursday, October 27th-November 12, 2017 you can enjoy all of the delicious restaurants in the Virgin Islands with prix fixe menus and experience events! Visit www.dine.vi to find out more about the event and what restaurants are participating in the event. The event spans all three islands of the USVI.
Those are just a few of the big events going on in the USVI this summer and fall. Book your trip with Coral Ridge now in one of our vacation rentals to experience the culture and events! Immerse yourself in a rich environment on your next vacation in St. Thomas!