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Good morning all,
We are anxiously awaiting our trip to St. Croix in June. So all conversation in our house revolves around it! This morning my daughter asked questions about the whole "Santa thing" in the islands. Of course, I had no answers and told her I would try to find out. Her questions: "If there's no snow, does Santa still use his sleigh?" "If not, where do the reindeer go?" "Doesn't he get hot in that red suit?" etc. etc. I'm looking for any local customs that can help me explain. Thanks in advance for any guidance!
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!
Terri
Christmas is celebrated from Dec 6th untul January 6th with parades, festivals, etc. The season started with an event called Jump Up. There were parades, steel drums, and Mocko Jumbies. (mocko Jumbies are very very tall men that dance and perform high above the crowd. Their faces are wrapped with only their mouth and eyes showing. They are representing spirits that bring good luck.) Last Saturday a lighted boat parade took place in the Harbor. Beautiful boats all trimmed for the holidays floated thru the Christiansted Harbor. I believe Santa arrived on one of those boats (just a quick tropical get-away, I assume) St Croix has been under the ownership of 7 different countries, so many different traditions are woven together. Most are from other islands, Denmark, and the US. The day after Christmas is called Boxing Day (or Christmas second day) and is also a holiday. Festivities continue until a 3 Kings Day when a big colorful parade caps off the holiday! Santa usually comes by boat or seaplane. I beleive the sand is too hard on his sleigh runners. I've been told the reindeer usually accompany him, but don't have to pull the sleigh! (a vacation for them too!)
Terri, I just read this post from Nick - you should find it interesting:
Posted by: Nick (IP Logged)
Date: December 24, 2005 02:24PM
Found this link, it's a nice article about how Christmas used to be celebrated in the islands.
[www.virginislandsdailynews.com]
Have a wonderful trip... C.<')))<
Flying donkeys and air-conditioned suit?
He comes on a floating sleigh, with dolpins pulling him?
Thanks to everyone! I read the article in the link and talked about it with my daughter. She is very interested in the local customs and she can't wait to get there! She asked me if we could quit our jobs and school and leave tomorrow! I have to admit, it sounds good to me!
Thanks again everyone, and a Happy, healthy New Year!
Terri
