Page 52 - Florida and the US Caribbean Isles

Th eWo n d e rso f Quadrille has long been the St. Croix Heritage Trail is a self- Outdoor Markets are the
official dance of the United guided driving tour through a variety trademark of the Caribbean and
C u l tu re States Virgin Islands. Originally of the island’s historical sites and of St. Croix. For a sampling of
an old European dance, it was natural areas. The trail links many local fruits, drinks and vegetables,
Beyond her moving history and natural beauty, perhaps the most defining trait of St. Croix is her festive adapted with a Caribbean major historic attractions including start your Saturday morning at
and colorful spirit. To fully experience some of the best she has to offer, you’ll want to sample as many Afro/European beat in the Whim Plantation Museum, marketplaces in Frederiksted,
of the following activities as possible. 18th and 19th centuries and St. George Village Botanical Christiansted or La Reine. Or,
remains popular in the Virgin Garden and Christiansted historic look for vendor stands and trucks
Local Corner Islands today. If you’re lucky, a sites as well as several plantation along Queen Mary Highway and
scheduled performance with ruins. All told, it is a satisfying tour Centerline Road.
Bradley E. Christian dancers clad in colorful madras of St. Croix history for even the
may coincide with your visit. staunchest history buff.
If you’re intrigued by traditional dance, you’ll want to be on the lookout
for Bradley E. Christian. A Cultural Specialist, Mr. Christian was taught the Crucian Christmas Festival Agrifest is the largest annual
art of calling Quadrille by the grand floor master, the late Adam Peterson. St. Croix at her most joyous. agricultural fair in the Caribbean.
Mr. Christian is also President of the esteemed St. Croix Heritage Dancers, Experience a true Crucian The three-day exhibition draws
a 27-year-old organization whose purpose is to preserve Crucian culture event by celebrating alongside visitors from all over the region
through dance. If you ask, he may even be willing to teach you a few moves. the locals. Start with eating and rivals many U.S. state fairs.
tasty Crucian delights, dance to Experience everything from petting
Caribbean music and then watch zoos, farmer’s markets and calypso
a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors shows to traditional cooking
as carnival dancers whirl by you demonstrations and replicas of
in a parade of exotic costumes. homes from bygone eras.

Cruzan Rum has been making
its best-selling rum products
at its distillery on St. Croix
for more than 300 years. See
firsthand how rum is made and
learn the difference between
light and dark rum. Finish up
your tour with cool, delicious,
complimentary rum drinks.

Local Corner

Willard John

At some point in your travels through St. Croix, you will likely hear of Moko Jumbies.
If you hear this in a conversation with Willard John, you will discover that this subject
is his passion. In fact, Mr. John is founder of the Guardian of Culture Moko Jumbie. As
he would be more than happy to tell you, Moko Jumbies are traditional folk characters
that dance on stilts. Originally brought from West Africa to the Caribbean, the Moko
Jumbie has been a beloved part of Virgin Island culture for many years. Mr. John has
researched and demonstrated this art form in a series called Mokolution.