If you’ve never experienced Mardi Croix on the north shore of St. Croix, now is your chance! The fun-filled celebration is happening this Saturday, February 22nd in estate La Vallee. The annual event consists of floats, costumes, music, dancing and plenty of adult beverages!
This Crucian version of “Mardi Gras” is held each February, the Saturday before Fat Tuesday or Ash Wednesday. Imagine Mardi Gras in Louisiana but with a Crucian spin on it!
“Krewe de Croix” organizes the event and has done so since 2002. The “Krewe” decided that it was time to start a Mardi Gras type celebration on the island and they have been going strong with the event for the last 18 years. They have since expanded their vision and now host several fun family events on St. Croix. Their main goal is to bring attention and revenue to the people and businesses on island while bringing people together.
The Mardi Croix procession will begin near “Sylvie’s Place,” a north shore favorite, and ends near Cane Bay Beach. Participants and spectators are likely to be seen cooling off and taking a dip in the water after the parade! People line the streets in hopes of catching some candy or Mardi Croix beads. Vendors set up down the main drag selling food drinks and souvenirs of all kind.
Each year there is a special theme for the floats and costumes. This year’s theme is “Superhero’s”. Chris Hockman, a St. Croix resident, has been a regular at Mardi Croix for the last 10 years and this is his 3rd year to participate on a float. “It’s a big, fun crowd making noise, throwing a community attended party,” says Chris. He and several of his friends are part of the “North Shore Freak Show Float.”
The group does make their float and it does take some sweat and time. From cutting and placing the wood, painting everything to perfection and then the costumes. Chris and his buddies are shown below creating their float for the parade this Saturday. Chris says it’s similar to the St. Paddy’s Day parade, but a little smaller with a North shore twist. “It’s great people, great music, and did I mention drinking?”
Photo courtesy of Garry Anthony
Elise Woods frequents St. Croix a couple times a year. She makes sure she always plans her trip around the Mardi Croix holiday. “There’s really nothing better than spending a day in the sun with your friends, watching the parade, eating your favorite foods and drinking a little too much,” says Elise.
Elise is seen below enjoying the 2018 parade with her friends. “I only come down a few times a year but I recognize the same faces and have made some wonderful friends here. The north shore is the place to be, especially for this event.”
The parade will start at noon and festivities will last throughout the day. Remember there is no parking on the side of the street on the parade route. They will close the road from Sylvie’s to Willie’s Wish starting at 11AM. Parking can be found by Willy’s Wish or near the La Vallee Lutheran Church, The Corner Store or in the field across from Off the Wall. Also there will be shuttles available from Christiansted, near Rum Runners and Big Beards. It is $20 per person round trip. They start running to the Northshore at 9am and start back to Christiansted from 4-7PM. We hope to see you there!
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