The Crucian Christmas Festival will get rolling full speed early Thursday morning with the Grand J'Ouvert.
Trampers are scheduled to start at 4 a.m. at Bassin Triangle and follow one or more of a variety of bands like Vio International, Express Band and China Dan through Christiansted toward the Festival Village at D.C. Canegata Ballpark.
"One of them has assured me they’re coming on the road," said Vera Falu, president of the Festival Committee.
The procession will dance and sway into the village for a traditional Crucian breakfast at one of the 31 food booths. And thanks to Gov. Charles Turnbull, non-essential government employees on St. Croix won’t have to worry about getting to work until later in the day.
From 8 a.m. to noon, administrative leave will be given to workers so they can participate in J'Ouvert.
"The St. Croix Festival is a boost to our economy and helps promote an understanding and appreciation of our culture, and it is of utmost importance that residents be given an opportunity to enjoy and fully participate in the Festival activities on St. Croix, including J’Ouvert," Turnbull said.
Non-essential workers were already looking forward to the day off on Friday, when the Children’s Parade makes its way through Christiansted. Floats and troupes in the Children’s Parade will stage at Bassin Triangle at 8:30 a.m. and start to roll at 10:30 a.m., according to Parade Committee chairman Lawrence Bastian.
The Festival’s main event is on Saturday, when the Adult’s Parade makes its raucous way through town. This year the parade falls on a special day, making for even more of a reason to celebrate.
"It actually falls on Jan. 6, Three Kings Day," Bastian said.
Troupes and floats will stage on Northside Road in front of Juanita Gardine Elementary School. Bastian said the procession will begin at 11 a.m.
"Please be on time," he said. "We want to move the parade on time."
