Celebrate Culture: A Night of Diversity at The Fred St. Croix

As a traveler and lover of cultural experiences, I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Cultural Night at The Fred in Frederiksted, St Croix. St Croix is known for its rich history, so I was eager to dive into the local culture and see what the island had to offer.

St. Croix is a vibrant cultural hub and home to the proud Crucians with their unique blend of Carib and Taino, African, European-Caribbean, and American heritages. From the music and dance to the food and traditions, the African heritage in particular is deeply woven into the fabric of St. Croix.

One of the most fascinating cultural experiences of Cultural Night was seeing the Moko Jumbies, traditional stilt dancers, in full costume and masks. Their giant stature and bright Caribbean colors are enough to make most people stop in their tracks, and the way they moved to the rhythm of the music and their ability to simply not fall over was equally impressive.

Moko Jumbies have a rich 200-year history on the island, with roots tracing back to Africa as far as the 13th and 14th centuries. They are a staple of many celebrations on the island, such as parades and the quarterly “Jump Up” events. I learned that they are viewed as symbols of the island’s history, culture, and heritage. Their presence is viewed as a blessing and an honor at any celebration.

We were also treated to a beautiful display of fire dancing by Kiki Mason and Pura Fire. It was mesmerizing to watch the dancers move gracefully around with fire as it illuminated their faces and bodies.

Fire dancing is a sacred flow style of art that sees dancers use different props to connect with their audience.  These props range from sticks, hoops, and poi balls that are lit on fire and used to create stunning visuals through movement and light.

Food is another way in which the African influence is felt on St. Croix. The island’s cuisine is a unique blend of African, European, and Caribbean flavors, and I was eager to try as many local dishes as I could. Some of the most popular dishes I encountered on the menu were Man Soup, Brown Stewed Ox Tail, Salmon Balls, and Conch in Butter Sauce. Each dish was a delight for the taste buds and a window into the island’s rich cultural heritage.

The locals have an extraordinary sense of pride in their culture, and this was evident in everything from their traditional music to their colorful costumes to their food. Local host Willard John did a wonderful job introducing and educating the guests on the unique history of the moko jumbie, local music, and their roles in the history of St Croix’s culture.

If you missed this event, don’t worry! The Fred will be hosting them the last Saturday of every month!