How could we have missed it this week? Hurricane Supplication Day!

This is the type of map we like to see!

According to the Free Dictionary the fourth Monday of July (July 23) is Hurricane Supplication Day, that is if you happen to live in the Virgin Islands:
Observed in the U.S. Virgin Islands—St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John—Hurricane Supplication Day marks the beginning of the hurricane season [in the Virgin Islands territory]. Special church services are held to pray for safety from the storms that ravage these and other Caribbean islands. The custom probably dates back to the "rogation" ceremonies which began in fifth-century England—from the word rogare, meaning "to beg or supplicate." Rogations usually followed a frightening series of storms, earthquakes, or other natural disasters, although sometimes they took place annually on the Rogation Days that preceded Ascension Day.  At the end of the hurricane season [in the Virgin Islands] in October there is a Hurricane Thanksgiving Day . Church services are held on the third Monday in October so that the islanders can give thanks for being spared the destruction of a major storm.

Until recent years Hurricane Supplication Day was actually an official holiday in the Virgin Islands. While Hurricane season officially starts June 1 and lasts through the month of November, it is the late summer months of August and September that we tend to see most storms here in the Virgins. Hence the reason for prayer (however one does it!)!

Well, we are now 1/3 of the way through the 2012 Hurricane Season with 4 named storms so far: Alberto, Beryl, Chris and Debby.  The next fellow up will be Ernesto.  The rest of the names for this hurricane season...

Some of the hurricane watch websites I particularly like are:

Caribbean Hurricane Network

National Hurricane Center

Stormpulse

Keep doing what you have been doing whether it is praying or just wishing the storms away because so far, so good this season!   

It sure is nice seeing 'USVI' on boats at the London Olympics

Virgin Islanders & Olympians Cy Thompson and Mimi Roller in the Olympic Village in Weymouth

Both Mimi Roller, from St John, and Cy Thompson, from St Thomas, are competing in Lasers this summer. The first races start on July 30th with medal races taking place on August 6th.  The Olympic website details the race guidelines as:

Fleet races competition format

All the Sailing events on the Olympic programme apart from the women's Elliot 6m event are fleet races and follow the same competition format.

In fleet racing, each event has a series of races. Points are awarded in each race: first scores one point, second scores two points, etc.

After 10 races (15 races in the Skiff event), points from the worst race are discarded. The remaining points are added together.

The 10 best athletes/crews then advance to the medal race. Points are doubled, so first place gets two points, second gets four, etc. The points total after the medal race determines the placings.

The athlete/crew with the lowest number of points is the winner.

Whatever the results over the next couple of weeks we are really proud of both Cy and Mimi and happy to have them flying the USVI flag for us!

The US Virgin Islands flag flies proudly at the London Summer Olympics

The US Virgin Islands flag flies proudly in London at the Summer Olympics photo credit Mimi Roller

Can you name the flags flying next to the US Virgin Islands flag? Did you know that the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (VIOC) has sent a team to every Central American & Caribbean, Pan American and Olympic competition since 1966.  With the exception of the 1980 Olympics in Moscow which the VIOC boycotted, it has sent a team to every Olympic competition since the mid 1960's. The first medal - a silver - was won at the 1988 Seoul Olympics by Peter Holmberg in Yachting.  Might this year be the year to add to that medal?

This year the US Virgin Islands qualified 7 athletes in 3 different sports for the London Summer Games which start tomorrow, Thursday, July 26, and last through August 12.  Additionally, the USVI will be represented in the Paralympic Games, with an equestrian athlete, which also takes place this summer starting on August 29.  Let us celebrate them all:

• Lee Frawley Equestrian, Paralympic Games
• Muhammad Halim Athletics Triple Jump
• Tabarie Henry 4th in the world 400m
• Laverne Jones-Ferrette Athletics 100m & 200m
• Allison Peter Athletics 100m & 200m
• Mimi Roller Laser Class Sailing
• Cy Thompson Laser Class Sailing
• Branden Whitehurst Swimming 100m Freestlye

St Thomas makes another 'top 10' list & this one has nothing to do with our wonderful beaches

St Thomas Frenchtown

St Thomas's Frenchtown is located about a half-mile southwest of Charlotte Amalie, it is popular with tourists and locals for its restaurants and bars, colorful boats, and fresh fish market; however we found it particularly interesting - and a tad unusual - that it would have made the 'top 10 Bastille Day Celebrations' around the entire world! Here is the list compiled by Hotwire based on a survey they recently conducted:

Travel Picks: Top 10 Bastille Day celebrations

(Reuters) - Sing a rousing rendition of the Marseillaise, twirl a sparkler or head out to see the parades and fireworks for France's national day of celebration on Saturday [July 14 each year]. Francophiles around the world can find a place to join in the revelry with online travel adviser Hotwire.com's (www.hotwire.com) list of the top 10 destinations to celebrate Bastille Day. Reuters has not endorsed this list:

1. Paris

2. London, UK

3. New Orleans, Louisiana

4. Liege, Belgium

5. Budapest, Hungary

6. Franschhoek, South Africa

7. Montreal, Quebec

8. French Polynesia

9. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

While St. Thomas is technically part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, its large French population gathers together for several days of Bastille Day festivities. The celebration begins with dancing at local bars and live performances from bands from the French community. The highpoint of the celebrations is the Kingfish Tournament, a fundraiser for local schools which is held on a Sunday. Fishermen cast their lines early in the morning and must return to the beach by noon to enter their catches into the contest. The participant who catches the largest kingfish is awarded prize money.


Frenchtown was settled by immigrants from the French Caribbean island of St. Barthelemy in the late 1800's through mid-1900's. Many of the men were fishermen and so the area became a fishing village and still is today. In the early morning you can watch fishermen coming in with their small fishing boats, or cleaning and selling their catches from the jetties and from the Quetel Fish Market. Many of the older French people still speak Creole, a French dialect. In the middle of Frenchtown is a hill crowned by St. Ann's Catholic Church. A small museum contains several hundred artifacts of historical interest related to the area and to the French community including photographs, pottery, tools and furniture. The French Heritage Museum is located next to the Joseph Aubain ballpark. Frenchtown is also a great stop on the way to the St Thomas airport.  We are particularly partial to Hook, Line & Sinker, a casual restaurant located right on the water.  You can get a great meal while watching boats and seaplanes come and go and, as an extra bonus, watch the ever-present iguanas sun themselves (a great diversion for kids while waiting for their meal!).

10. Cayenne, French Guiana
--
Plan on attending next year's Bastille Day celebration on, of course, July 14, 2013 and while in the Virgin Islands discover, or better yet, stay on St John!

Colorful fishing boats line the shore in Frenchtown

Great night on St John for another good cause...

We cannot resist any opportunity to encourage people not only to have a great time on St John but to do so while benefiting a wonderful St John organization so get yourself out to the 'Bar Wars' on St John next week (Saturday July 28).  The proceeds of the evening will benefit the Animal Care Center of St John and who cannot appreciate helping our pooches and kitties?

USVI makes Islands wish list for 'Best Island to Live On'

Wish List write-up about why USVI is 'the best' island to live on

Those of us who have spent time in the US Virgin Islands fully understand why the USVI made the Islands Wish List for the 'Best Island in the World to Live On'!  

Enjoy their photo essay and you, too, will understand why the USVI made the list once again this year as it often does.  Yes, it is the beaches, it is the National Park, but so, so much more!

USVI Olympic athletes head to London while all are being honored at home

VI Daily News reports -- USVI Olympic exhibit opens on St. Thomas

BY AARON GRAY, Published: July 16, 2012

USVI University Sports Federation president Ron Harrigan looks over the USVI Olympic Committe exhibit in Royal Dane Mall on St. Thomas on Saturday. The exhibit, which depicts the history of the Olympic Games and the territory's involvement in the Games, will opened this week to the public and will remain open during the London Games from July 27 through Aug. 12.

U.S. Virgin Islands Olympic Committee members attend the grand opening of the USVI Olympic Committee Daily News Photos by AARON GRAY

ST. THOMAS - U.S. Virgin Islands Olympic Committee executive board members Hans Lawaetz, Angel Morales and Leonard Bonelli Sr. walked into the USVI Olympic Committee Exhibit in downtown St. Thomas on Saturday, and it was like a walk down memory lane.

The two-room exhibit in Royal Dane Mall depicts the history of the Olympics, the territory's involvement in the Games and features several information panels, pieces of artwork and memorabilia. Admission is free.

"Our initial goal was to promote the Olympic movement in the Virgin Islands," said exhibit organizer Yuri Gaspar, who is also the USVI Winter Sports general secretary. "You would be surprised. A lot of people we talk to don't even know we're sending athletes to London."

The USVI is sending track and field athletes Tabarie Henry, LaVerne Jones-Ferrette, Allison Peter, and Muhammad Halim; laser sailors Mimi Roller and Cy Thompson; and freestyle swimmer Branden Whitehurst to the Games.

The territory has participated in every Summer Olympic Games since 1968, except for the 1980 Games, which were held in Russia and boycotted by the United States.

Gaspar described the exhibit as a lounge area for local residents and tourists walking around downtown. There are two 42-inch flat screen televisions inside air-conditioned rooms that will be playing live coverage of the Olympics, starting with the opening ceremonies on July 27.

"One main thing we will feature is the schedule for when each of our USVI athletes will be competing at the upcoming Games," said Gaspar, whose 17-year-old daughter, Veronica, represents the USVI in alpine skiing. "Of course, if there is a final or something, we will stay open later or earlier so Virgin Islanders can take in all the action at the exhibit."

There are also preliminary plans to move the exhibit to St. Croix and St. John in the coming weeks but those plans are pending office space and security, Gaspar said.

The complete article can be read...

The Virgin Islands National Park wins the Huffington Post 'Destination of the Week' award

Lind Point overlooking VI National Park fangfeishen, Flickr Yesterday, the Huffington Post declared their 'Destination of the Week' the US Virgin Islands National Park!  We know that the land and waters of the VI National Park to be stunning.  And, we know that this is a wonderful destination year round!  Hiking, swimming, or just sitting on one of the benches (or beaches) gazing at our fabulous views, you are sure to understand why this destination made the Huffington Post list.   Come see for yourself!

Jet Blue to restart seasonal non-stop flights from Boston to St Thomas 3 months early!

Jet Blue has become a popular choice for getting to St John especially from New England

Jet Blue, the popular and award winning airline has decided to jump-start its Caribbean season by launching its Boston - St Thomas flight schedule in September, a full 3 months early!  This is great news not only for those of us who regularly fly from New England to St Thomas but also for those who depend on the the Virgin Island economy.  On a down note, we were recently saddened to learn that Air Canada has chosen to discontinue its non-stop flight from Toronto to St Thomas this season. There will still be a way for those from Canada to get to the Virgin Islands (by connecting through the US) but just not that sweet non-stop option for now.

We know how to treat our visitors as evidenced by the inaugural celebration of Jet Blue's flight from Boston (not to mention the rum punch that also awaited them!)...

This past year saw the inaugural flight into St Thomas and passengers were greeted the Caribbean way!

Popular times of the year book up early so do not wait too long to make your reservations for this year's trip(s) to St John!

St John's 'Love City Triathlon & Aquathon' 2012 scheduled for September 2, 2012

Crossing the finish line of the first leg of the Triathlon

The St John Landsharks are planning this one tough race once again. Whether it is the 13th or 14th is a mystery but no one seems to care since they are back once again to oversee this incredibly challenging race.  Any one of these legs would be tough in itself but put them together and you have one of the most 'interesting' (I would call it brutal!) triathlon's around.

The maximum number of registrants is being limited to 100 so if you are interested in joining the 'fun' we urge you to sign up early.  You can sign up in one of the following capacities: Individual Triathletes ($40); Aquathon ($40); or Relay Triathletes ($35).

The course is brand new this year and all start from Maho Bay. The triathletes will swim a half mile in Maho Bay. Bike to Cruz Bay, Centerline, to the Yogurt stand and go down Kings Hill and finish back at Maho Bay! Then run a new and challenging 4-mile course and return to Maho Bay!

14 Mile Bike course Maho Transition area, head west on North Shore Road, west to Cruz Bay Turns to go up to round-about Take Centerline road to King's Hill and down into the Transition area at Maho Bay

The Aquathoners will swim the same ½ mile course, and run a new and challenging 3 miles and return to Maho Bay.  Don’t worry; the stairs are still on the running course. And a few hills have been added.

Participants in the triathlon can do all three legs competing as an individual or form a relay team with one or two other athletes and each compete in one or two legs.

DISTANCES:  


Triathlon:  ½ mile swim, 14 mile hilly bike, 4 mile run  (Individual and Relay categories) 
Aquathon:  ½ mile swim, 3 mile run   (Individual category only, no Relay)

The inter-island competition is open to all residents of the Caribbean. A team must have 3 members doing the triathlon as individuals, and the team must have a female. The top 3 combined times is declared the winner and will have their islands name mounted on a trophy which is displayed in the establishment of a sponsor. 2010 had no inter island winner, but St. Croix so far has the most wins historically.

For more information (including info on registration)...

If you don't want to swim, run, or bike this amazing race you can still play a hugely important role by coming out to cheer along those that do!  

St John celebrates Friday the 13th with a heart!

Who cannot adore this little kitty?

Today - Friday the 13th - is adopt a kitten or cat day at St John's Animal Care Center (SJACC). Why not take a kitty home to remember your time on St John - or, if you live on St John adopt a cat or kitty and feel the love!  The SJACC has its own Facebook page which is really terrific.  We encourage you to LIKE their page and support, in whatever way that works for you, the work of the Animal Care Center. 

We understand that three of the kitties were born recently at Maho Campgrounds. Here is one of the very cute pictures they posted on their blog: 

One is fearless and fiesty, one is shy and playful, and one is cautious and reserved which fits your personality?

St Johnian's need a vacation too! Restaurant closing list for summer & fall published...

St John restaurant closing list 

August, September, October 2012*

Don't worry it is only for a short time!

St John Spice has posted her annual 'Summer/Fall Closings' restaurant list* and, as predicted, many hard working St Johnian's are taking their well deserved vacations.  Do not fret if you are coming to St John during August or September, there are still plenty of great restaurants open and, lots of private chef service options.  Some of the best meals we have ever had on St John are right at home at our Villa overlooking the Caribbean sea!

How about looking at this view while dining?

*As indicated on the list, best to call to confirm the schedule.  Sometimes the vacation is shortened...and, sometimes, it is extended.  As with many things on St John schedules are 'flexible'!  Remember, this is the islands 'mon!

USVI (& St John) takes top honors as 'world's best destination' in travel survey

Caribbean360 reports: 

Travel survey ranks US Virgin Islands among the World's best

St. John had already been listed in Arthur Frommer's Top 10 favorite travel spots for 2012, a testament to the quality of the vacation experience in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

NEW YORK, United States, Monday July 9, 2012 - The readers of one of the world's leading travel magazines have picked the island of St. John in the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) among the Top 5 destinations in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas.

Following the results of the Travel + Leisure 2012 World's Best Awards readers' survey, St. John - with its tranquil beaches, stunning vistas and history preserved among the many sugar plantation ruins found throughout the island - was ranked number five in the vast region, sharing the spotlight with neighboring Vieques in Puerto Rico (1), Harbour Island in the Bahamas (2), Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands (3) and the Grenadines in the Southern Caribbean (4).

"St. John continues to be a top-of-mind destination in the Caribbean region and we appreciate the confidence travelers have placed in our Territory," noted USVI Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty, thanking the magazine and its readers for their appreciation of the island's assets.

St. John had already been listed in Arthur Frommer's Top 10 favorite travel spots for 2012, a testament to the quality of the vacation experience in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Reinforcing the case were the top mentions in this year's Travel + Leisure survey for The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas and St. John's Caneel Bay, A Rosewood Resort which were both listed among the Top 25 resorts in the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas. "We are very proud of these resorts and encourage all of our partners in St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John to continue striving for excellence in today's competitive environment," the Commissioner stressed.

Every year, Travel + Leisure asks its readers which industry suppliers represent the very best in travel. The results of the 17th annual Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards survey, revealing readers' favorite hotels, cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, car-rental agencies, safari outfitters, and tour operators, are listed on www.TravelandLeisure.com now, will be featured in the August digital editions on iPad®, NOOK Color™, and Kindle Fire™, and they are the cover story for the August issue of the magazine, on newsstands July 20.

For more information

Since St John has such fabulous photographers we just had to post more St John Festival photos

You just cannot get too much of a good thing when great colors, costumes, and photographers are involved so here are a few more pictures from last week's St John Festival parade.

One of the island's best photographer is Steve Simonsen who once again captured the beauty of the parade.  Here is one of his photos:

The smile says it all and the Virginislandstv.tv captured this one perfectly:

Best Island Fete captured this ferocious lion:

Did you capture any great photos? If you missed this year's Festival why not plan to attend next year!  

The next Festival in our 'hood will be the BVI Festival which starts next week and runs for the next month.  Always a party in the Caribbean.

More St John Festival Parade pictures

St John Moko Jumbies having fun (photo courtesy of Y Rogers)

Yelena Rogers took some amazing photos of this year's St John Festival Parade and has shared them on her Facebook Page.  It sure is worth checking them out... 

The Costumes were spectacular (photo courtesy of Y Rogers)

What is not to like? Fun, despite the ocassional rain!

US Virgin Islands Young Sailors head to Dublin for world championship competition

Youth Sailing World Championship reports: 

US Virgin Islands Tipped For 420 Success At The 2012 Four Star Pizza ISAF Youth Worlds

Agustina Barbuto (ISV) will take to the helm in Dublin

©Sime Sokota/ISAF Youth Worlds

Four Star Pizza ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship

Dublin Bay, Ireland

A strong U.S. Virgin Islands team in the 420 Boys and Girls will be heading to Dublin, Ireland for the Four Star Pizza ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship.

Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games Byte CII gold medallist Ian Barrows (ISV) will make his ISAF Youth Worlds debut in the 420 boys alongside Ian Coyle. Whilst in the 420 girls Agustina Barbuto, who won bronze at the 2011 ISAF Youth Worlds in Zadar, Croatia with Nikole Barnes, sails alongside Graceann Nicolosi.

Barrows stormed to a comprehensive gold in Singapore by a 16 point margin and the 17-year-old is set to make his ISAF Youth Worlds debut. But despite being one of the newcomers he knows what it takes to win, "At the Youth Olympic Games I learned that you need to keep yourself calm and focus on just doing a good job," said Barrows. "You can't think about the pressure or let the pressure get to you.

"At the Youth Worlds I intend to follow the same strategy and not let myself get too worked up."  Sailing is just part of the package when competitors head to the Youth Worlds and Barrows will be representing his country on and off the water, "I thought it was a privilege to represent my country at the Youth Olympics. I enjoyed meeting kids from other countries and getting to know them. I had a lot of fun at the Youth Olympic Games and I think that made me a better competitor. Going to the Youth Worlds means that I have another chance to make friends and make kids from other countries think well of the Virgin Islands."  The 2012 Four Star Pizza ISAF Youth Worlds 420 boys fleet welcomes back Juan Manuel Garcia Rodriguez and Facundo Mario Olezza (ARG) who finished fourth at Zadar 2011. The Argentineans will want to go at least one place better in Dublin.

In the 420 Girls fleet Agustina Barbuto is set for her third appearance at the regatta, this time as helm with Graceann Nicolosi. Barbuto had previously finished 14th at Istanbul 2010 and third at Zadar 2011 as crew with Nikole Barnes.

The pair were on ISAF's Athlete Participation Programme for Zadar 2011 and Barbuto enjoyed the Croatian experience, "I thought last year's ISAF Youth Worlds was great," she said. "The opening ceremony was amazing and the racing was great. I loved the venue and the people. The organization of the event was one of the best I have seen."
But Dublin 2012 will be a different experience for Barbuto as she takes to the helm, "I am expecting Dublin to have very good sailing conditions. Graceann and I are expecting a hard challenge and we want to learn as much as possible from the experience."


Carrie Smith and Ella Clark (AUS) finished fourth at Zadar 2011 and will be back for more Youth Worlds action at Dublin 2012."The best thing about Youth Worlds is the feeling of not knowing what to expect," said Smith "It's like your blind folded and all you have is your raw physical and mental talent. Everyone is equal and it just comes down to how you perform on the day. Meeting all the other athletes is also a great experience and you really make lifelong friends."
Other returnees include Viviam Alencastro and Mercela Rocha (BRA), Nadja Horwitz and Francisca Fuentes (CHI), Adriana Rodes and Lucy Brugman (ESP), Paulina Rothlauf and Madlen Geisler (GER) and Na Kyung Lee and Seo Eun Choi (KOR).

Racing at the 2012 Four Star Pizza ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship begins on 14 July in Dun, Laoghaire, Co. Dublin, Ireland running until 20 July.

For complete article...

BVI Festival 2012 Schedule

BVI's Festival 2012 Schedule

Now that St John's Festival season has come to a close, it is time to enjoy Tortola's Festival which starts July 15th and runs through August 11th.  

USVI falls to Puerto Rico in Championship match despite having top scorer

Better.com's Asterix reports that:

            Puerto Rico sweeps US Virgin Islands in a U-19 Championship match – Volleyball news

A Group B match of the NORCECA U-19 Boys’ Continental Championship took place on Wednesday, July 4, 2012 between Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands. The preliminary round of the tournament is currently being hosted by Tijuana, Mexico while the match between the two sides was played at the Centro de Alto Rendimiento sports hall. A crowd of 150 spectators witnessed the show as Puerto Rico earned a win by making a clean sweep over US Virgin Islands.

Puerto Rico took an hour and 17 minutes to finish the match at the following final set scores: 25-19, 25-15 and 25-21.

The Puerto Rican coach, Carlos Rodriguez, shared his satisfaction with the win by making the following comments, “In this match we regained confidence, we still have some mistakes and some things to correct but are already in qualification zone, go for a victory in the next round and reach the semifinals, but we also need to improve our transition to reach the level the other teams have shown.”

On the other hand, the coach of US Virgin Islands, Mark Daniel, had the following statement to give at the outcome of the match, “Our captain is sick and it was a big loss for us, we played well at the end, but we need to be more consistent in our play.”     

The player with the highest number of points in the match was Thomas Aseah of US Virgin Islands as he kept the pressure on his opponents by putting up 16 points. On the other hand, the most points scored on the Puerto Rican side were 14 by Jose Pagan. Pagan was helped by his team mate Juan Ruiz Goyco who made his presence felt by adding 11 points.

The first set of the match started off with the Puerto Ricans taking the lead early on but US Virgin Islands was able to close in the gap. However, before US Virgin Islands could gain any sway, the Puerto Ricans extended their advantage and marched ahead to bag the opening set of the match at 25-19.

The loss of the first set had a dampening effect on the performance of  the US Virgin Islands squad and they put in a half hearted effort in the second set that helped Puerto Rico to take an early lead and stretch it further. US Virgin Islands kept trailing behind as Puerto Rico sped on to secure the second set comfortably at 25-15.

US Virgin Islands revived themselves in the third set of the game and kept the score level for the most part. It seemed as if US Virgin Islands would swing things in their favour but their hopes were smashed as the Puerto Ricans asserted themselves by moving on to take the lead in the end and finally grab the third set of the game at 25-21.  More...http://blogs.bettor.com/Puerto-Rico-sweeps-US-Virgin-Islands-in-a-U-19-Championship-match-Volleyball-news-a168347

St John Festival closes with a bang!

St John a little island and usually way laid back but we come alive during St John Festival season and especially during the finale of the Festival which coincides with July 4th!

The parade this year was peppered with rain but that did not dampen the spirits of those attending or dancing as can be seen by Steve Simonsen's fabulous photo:

And, once again, the Westin Troupe had a great time despite the rain:

Westin Troupe (photo credit Ronnie Lockhart)

The very young even got into the action (photo courtesy of VirginIslands.tv)

With the fireworks the month long celebration came to an end.

Tropical Focus Photography's Bob Schlesinger captured this amazing shot over Cruz Bay

 And, now on to planning for St John Festival 2013!

St John Festival banner (photo courtesy of Cruz Bay Realty)

July 4th celebrations from yesteryear to today in the Virgin Islands

St Thomas USVI July 4, 1924 (photo credit Ronnie Lockhart)

Ronnie Lockhart of St Thomas has wonderful historical pictures of the Virgin Islands and he posted this one recently on his Facebook page.  Note the marching band.  Looks pretty formal but I bet there were some Caribbean steel band music as well!

More recent parades have taken a more colorful (and raucous) tone.  St John's 4th of July parade is one of the concluding activities of a month long Carnival season.  It is wonderfully colorful and fun as can be attested by the photos below captured by our friends at the St John Source from the 2011 St John Festival Parade:

2011 St John Parade Marshall Edna Freeman

The Westin Troupe showed their enthusiasm and energy with the singing of the Carnival song "Push"

What will this year's St John Festival parade later today bring?

Happy 4th to all!