Elders, youngsters, and every age in between came together at the National Park Ballfield on Friday to celebrate traditional Virgin Islands culture at the VI Folklife Festival on St. John. The event continued on Saturday at the Annaberg Historic District from 2 to 5 p.m.
Old friends greet each other and get hugs from young friends, too. From left, Henry Powell, Jenny Paris, Lorene Blackwood, and Gwenavire Hyndman. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
“We invite the community to come out and carry on the culture through music
and movement,” said Penelope Del Bene, superintendent of Virgin Islands National Park.
VINP Superintendent Penny de Bene samples food from a vendor. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
“This festival is a testament to the vibrant culture of the Virgin Islands community and their dedication to preserving these traditions.”
School children left their classrooms to wander among tents with activities
highlighting traditional foods, crafts, tools, and traditions.
Eighth-graders from the Julius E. Sprauve School arrive at the NPS ball field in Cruz Bay. Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Some students seem particularly pleased to leave the classroom on a beautiful Friday afternoon. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Former VINP ranger Jackie Clendenin says she worked with other AARP volunteers to chaperone nearly 200 students from St. Thomas during the morning. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
“They were so excited to be here,” she said. “When I asked them how many of them had been to St. John, only a few raised their hands.”
JESS students practice their skills with culture bearers like Lindy Parsons, who helped them make jam tarts. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Daniel Paul instructs the students on the health benefits of fruits and teas. Those who can answer questions afterward are rewarded with local “fig” bananas. Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Culture bearer Julian Frett concentrates as he fabricates a broom out of traditional materials. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Children seem amazed as they reach out to touch an old telephone, part of a collection of household artifacts assembled by siblings Jenny Paris and Henry Powell. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Yolanda Morten demonstrates the use of an old-fashioned grinder for coffee and spices. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Charles “Callah” Jackson cuts slices of sugar cane for sampling. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Kathy Hilliard, Larry Wilson, and Lonnie Willis of the St. John Historical Society display traditional St. John baskets and a coal pot. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
On April 8, the Historical Society invites the public to join them in a cleanup of William Woods Cemetery behind the Sprauve Library. The Historical Society’s final meeting of the year will be on Tuesday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at the Bethany Moravian Church and is open to everyone.
Throughout the day, festival goers were entertained by musicians and dancers.
Glen “Kwabena” Davis, a mainstay of the event, contributes by singing songs, telling stories, and calling out instructions for maypole “plaiting.” (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)V.I. for Life Quadrille Dancers move regally to the sounds of Quelbe Resurrection Band. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Jonte Samuel of Quelbe Resurrection Band waves hello during a break. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Bamboula dancers of all ages sashay across the field in their white skirts. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)La’nae Charles says she was excited to see the park bring back the Folklife Festival. “It was a staple when I was growing up. I haven’t seen a maypole since elementary school.” (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
The fun continues next week.
Alvis Christian holds up a schedule of activities planned by the Emmaus Moravian Church for Easter Monday, April 6, on the Coral Bay ball field from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be traditional games like egg and spoon, grease pig, and tug-of-war. Performers include the Dynamic Dancers, the Love City Pan Dragons, and quadrille dancers. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
