ST. CROIX
CULTURE & HISTORY
After soaking in some rays, soak in some culture.
ST. CROIX
- ST. JOHN
- ST. THOMAS
CULTURE & HISTORY
Visitors to St. Croix will see traces of St. Croix's rich cultural diversity in the island's distinctive arts, crafts, music and festivals. “Mocko Jumbies” (traditional stilt dancers thought to chase away evil spirits), reggae and calypso, steel pan bands and pulsating salsa are among the captivating sights and sounds that add to the island's cultural mix. The Caribbean Dance Company (CDC), an ensemble that preserves and teaches the dance heritage of the Caribbean and West Indian culture, established itself on St. Croix in 1977. Its traditional folk dance performances, many with African roots, can be seen on the island all year round.
St. Croix's unique culture is still celebrated in customs such as the European-inspired "quadrille" dance and "quelbe," or "scratch," music. The early settlers' tradition of dancing from estate to estate has evolved into an organized town parade, performed to the sounds of drums, flutes, trumpets and gourds that are "scratched" for percussion.
The Crucian Christmas Festival, one of St. Croix's most popular events, includes a month-long celebration that culminates in the Three Kings Day parade. Check out the St. Croix Events Calendar for more information on exciting events in St. Croix.
Historic Places of WorshipMade in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Links to Cultural Organizations
Cultural Events
HISTORIC PLACES OF WORSHIP
Holy Cross Catholic Church
Originally built in 1755, Holy Cross was extensively altered in the 1850s. It was built in the shape of a cross to represent St. Croix which means “holy cross” in French. It is located on Queen Street in Christiansted. 340-773-7564. www.holycrosscatholicchurch.org
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
This simple church was built in 1792 to replace an earlier wood structure built in 1766. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church is located on Hospital and Hill Street in Frederiksted. 340-772-3658.
Lord God of Sabaoth Lutheran Church
Built in the 1740s, the Lutheran Church is St. Croix’s oldest church. Originally the Dutch Reformed Church, it was transferred to the Lutherans in 1834. Lord God of Sabaoth Lutheran Church is located on King Street in Christiansted. 340-773-1320.
The Moravian Mission at Friedensthal
Located on the outskirts of Christiansted, this mission is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was established in the mid 1700s by Germans who named the area Estate Friedensthal which translates to “valley of peace” in German. It originally served as a Moravian mission, a church and a plantation. The mission also served for a time as a training center for parishioners in trades and reading and writing.
St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church
Built in 1848 to meet the rising expectation of Emancipation, the church expanded shortly after construction to accommodate a growing congregation. Built from local cut limestone, the west entry façade has elements of both Gothic Revival and Neo-Classical style. St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church is located on Prince and Market Street in Frederiksted. 340-772-0138.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Anglican Church
This hybrid church combines an 1812 West Indian hipped roof structure featuring classical and local details with a Neo-Gothic, three-tiered tower built in 1848. St. Paul’s Anglican Church is located on Prince Street in Frederiksted. 340-772-0818. www.stpaulstxvi.org
MADE IN THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Armstrong Ice Cream
Phone: 340-772-1919
Cindy Male Art & Yoga Studios
Phone: 340-277-8651
Crucian Gold
Danica Art Gallery
Phone: 340-719-6000
Design Works Island Living Store
Phone: 340-713-8102
Phone: 340-643-1952
Ecliff's Arts and Crafts
ib Designs
Phone: 340-773-4322
LEAP (Live Environmental Arts Project)
Phone: 340-772-0421
Many Hands
Phone: 340-773-1990
Email: rglees@attglobal.net
Sonya’s
St. Croix Landmarks Society Museum Store
St. George Village Botanical Garden Museum Store
Phone: 340-692-2874
Tropical Bracelet Factory Outlet
Phone: 340-719-0672
LINKS TO CULTURAL ORGANIZATIONS
Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts
Phone: 340-772-2622
CHANT (Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism, Inc.)
St. Croix Landmarks Society
CULTURAL EVENTS
Agrifest
Location: Rudy Schulterbrandt Fair Grounds,
Department of Agriculture
Date: President's Weekend
Phone: 340-778-0997
Christmas Spoken Here
Classical Candlelight Concert
Contract Day
Location: Frederiksted Town
Date: October 1
Phone: 340-772-5063
Crucian Christmas Festival
D. Hamilton Jackson/Liberty Day Celebration
Location: Estate Grove Place
Frederiksted
Date: November 1
Emancipation Celebration
Location: Frederiksted
Buddhoe park
Date: July 3
Phone: 340-277-7485
Gala at the Garden
Mango Melee
Location: St. George Village Botanical Gardens
Frederiksted
Date: July
Phone: 340-692-2874
Quadrille Dances
Location: St. Gerard's Hall
Frederiksted
Date: Seasonal
Phone: 340-772-0138
Ruins Rumble
Location: Estate Whim Plantation Museum
Frederiksted
Date: Jan.-April
Phone: 340-772-0598
Starving Artist
Location: Estate Whim Plantation Museum
Frederiksted
Date: March/November Last Sunday in the month
Phone: 340-772-0598