Mardi Croix 2023   

Crucians, or the people of St. Croix, love to party! Give them an occasion, and you can bet there’s something fun happening. So every February, the weekend before Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday, boasts a street party called “Mardi Croix.” Since 2002, a group of Louisiana transplants known as “Krewe de Croix” host the street party on the North Shore. And let me tell you, Mardi Croix gets louder and larger every year!

Mardi Croix 2023 Organizers: Krewe de Croix

According to the Krewe’s Facebook, “These events bring much needed revenue to the people and businesses of the island as well as bringing all its people together for a common goal.” And they did! People of all ages congregated together in a wild harmony only seen here in St. Croix. 

If you’re interested in participating, feel free to call 828-447-3986 or 817-908-3912 for info or visit their Facebook.

Mardi Croix 2023 Master of Ceremonies

Mardi Croix 2023 Festivities

Featuring a parade and festivities, the streets are filled with locals flocking to the area to celebrate. Canopies are set up with food vendors, satellite bars, and souvenirs. The local restaurants and bars offer specials all day- and don’t forget you can take your drinks togo! Adults, children, and pets commandeer the area, and it’s right off North Cane Bay Beach. The luxury to be able to cool off in the sea, then jump back into party mode, is how everyone maintains through the day. 

Almost everyone was in costume, dancing their way down the road. This year, the theme was “The Flinstone’s” and the people delivered. Along with the traditional purple, yellow and green, all I could see were people dressed in animal print or caveman attire. The dedication to the theme just shows the commitment Crucian’s always demonstrate when there’s a good time to be had!

The food scene was incredible! Since the bars were so busy, I opted to try the street food. I had local specialties, like roti and johnny cakes. There were also a group of ladies grilling kabobs, and they were OUTSTANDING! My favorite drink of the day was a local specialty called “Bush Tea.” Bush tea is an intoxicating blend of black tea, mint, lemongrass, ginger, and basil! It was so refreshing on a warm day.

Mardi Croix 2023 Parking

Parking was pretty packed, with miles of road occupied with cars squeezing into any open spot. Lucky for St. Croix, drivers are patient with pedestrian traffic. Trying to get to the hub of the festival wasn’t difficult. They also had shuttles running from multiple locations to help contain the traffic. One thing I will say is I had absolutely no cell phone reception. So, if you’re taking a taxi or getting a ride, arrange a time and location for pickup. 

Mardi Croix 2023 Parade

The parade itself proved MASSIVE! Also, the floats were incredibly ornate. I sat in awe looking at the detail and thought put into the spectacle. The whole show was incredible impressive. One float carted an ENTIRE BAND! My personal favorite was Impac Band, which featured a two story float with over 10 people. They had singers, dancers, and a guitarist walking along side. Their music lit up the entire street!

The event also had 3 moko jumbies prancing around, walking the crowd and dangling off floats with their stilts on. They will forever impress me with how limber and energetic they are.

 

(Via Krewe de Croix Facebook)

I sat in awe at the camaraderie of the island. Everyone seemed to be in perfect harmony as the day went on.

If you’re looking to explore St. Croix next year, plan your trip around this parade so you don’t miss out!

Krewe de Croix’s Invite via Facebook