ST CROIX — Since 1994, the St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade has lit up the Christiansted Harbor with holiday cheer! This holly jolly tradition started as a heartfelt gesture from the local boating community to thank the St. Croix people for the use of the beautiful waters surrounding the island. Now in it’s 24th year, it remains one of the largest attended events on St. Croix and the largest boat parade of its kind in the Caribbean. Established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2011, the objective of St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade, Inc. is to unite the community of St. Croix in commemorating the start of the Christmas season with the festive boat parade while supporting charitable children’s organizations in addressing educational needs and beyond.
This year’s parade will begin promptly at 6:30pm sharp on Saturday, December 14th. Christmas themed boats will light up the Christiansted Harbor for the gathered crowds along the boardwalk with 20+ boats and vessels of varying sizes competing in categories such as “Best Lighting,” “Best Music” and “Best Animation.” The day kicks off long before the parade begins with downtown Christiansted abuzz with holiday magic. Enjoy gift shopping and live music at various storefronts alongside street vendors selling a delicious assortment of Crucian fare from Johnny cakes and patés to shish kabobs, hot dogs and ice cold drinks. The Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies will make a towering appearance as they parade through the streets and along the boardwalk high on their wooden stilts. Be sure to grab their attention for a quick pic with this cherished Virgin Islands cultural figure. Keep an eye out from Santa Clause donning his Virgin Islands Madras Santa suit. St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade isn’t the same without his jolly presence. Be sure to stay through to the end of the parade to enjoy the illuminating fireworks show. The dazzling spectacle is always a sight to behold and the perfect way to end the festive evening filled with excitement, community spirit and holiday cheer!
Don’t miss this year’s St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade if you can help it! Join the festive fun on Saturday, December 14th. For more information, visit the St. Croix Christmas Boat Parade website at www.stcroixchristmasboatparade.com.
Written by Anquanette Gaspard
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