Beyond the Beaches: Celebrating USVI Heritage Month

Virgin Islands Folklife Festival Flyer from Visitusvi.com

​March is a special time in the U.S. Virgin Islands as we celebrate USVI Heritage Month, honoring the rich cultural heritage of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. This annual celebration highlights the unique history, traditions, and contributions of Virgin Islanders to our vibrant Caribbean community. At Love City Car Ferries, we're proud to highlight these festivities that showcase what makes our islands truly special.

The Cultural Significance of Heritage Month
USVI Heritage Month provides us with an opportunity to share our stories, showcase our culture, and warmly welcome visitors to be part of our unique Caribbean experience. This month-long celebration features events that highlight the rich history, heritage, and culture of the Virgin Islands through various projects and activities. It's a time when we come together to celebrate the diverse influences that have shaped our identity—from the indigenous Taíno people to African ancestry and generations of resilient Virgin Islanders who have preserved and evolved our cultural traditions.

Honoring Our Local Heroes and Historical Figures
Our islands' history is marked by remarkable local individuals who have shaped our cultural landscape. St. John, in particular, has a fascinating history that includes a thriving Taíno culture, followed by a plantation era, and then the rise of hard-working and industrious small farmers, artisans, and fishermen who defined the island's character.

The Virgin Islands have produced countless influential figures who have contributed to our cultural legacy. Among these are the dedicated members of the Ten Sleepless Knights, who have carried Quelbe—the official music of the Virgin Islands—across the Caribbean and around the world with discipline, reverence, and pride. Their tireless efforts have preserved this unique musical tradition that reflects our island's history and spirit.

We also honor the tradition bearers who have kept our cultural practices alive through generations of change. These individuals—from storytellers to craftspeople—have maintained the living traditions that define our Virgin Islands identity, often without recognition or compensation. Their commitment to passing down knowledge to younger generations ensures that our cultural heritage continues to thrive and evolve.

Famous Virgin Islanders Who Made Their Mark
The Virgin Islands has produced an impressive array of talented individuals who have gained recognition both locally and internationally. From historical pioneers to contemporary leaders, these Virgin Islanders have made significant contributions across various fields:

Historical Figures:
Alton Adams  (1889–1987): A groundbreaking musician from St. Thomas who became the first black bandmaster in the United States Navy. He was also an avid composer and journalist, known for creating the "Virgin Islands March."
William H. Hastie (1904–1976): A distinguished jurist, lawyer, and politician who served as the Governor of the Virgin Islands.
Juan Francisco Luis (1940–2011): The 24th Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, who served the territory for multiple terms.
William Alexander Leidesdorff Jr. (c. 1810–1848): A prominent entrepreneur born on Saint Croix who became a wealthy San Francisco merchant and is today remembered as the "African Founding Father of California."
Arturo Alfonso Schomburg (1874–1938): A historian, writer, and activist of Afro-Puerto Rican descent. His mother was from St. Croix and he attended school on St. Thomas. He is the namesake of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in New York.
Peter Bentzon: A highly skilled 18th-century silversmith of mixed race who worked in the Virgin Islands. His work is so historically significant that a silver-and-wood teapot he forged was acquired by the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Entertainment & Sports:
Jon Lucien (1942–2007): A celebrated vocalist and musician. Born in Tortola and raised on Saint Thomas, he was best known for his Grammy-nominated song "Rashida."
Hannah Jeter (born 1990): A model born and raised on St. Thomas who gained widespread recognition for her appearances in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Tim Duncan: A legendary NBA basketball player who grew up in the U.S. Virgin Islands and is widely considered one of the greatest power forwards in the history of the sport.
Kelsey Grammer: An Emmy-winning actor best known for his role as Frasier Crane on the sitcoms *Cheers* and *Frasier*, who was born in the Virgin Islands.

Contemporary Figures:
Marcella Nunez-Smith: A physician and researcher from St. Thomas who served as one of three co-chairs of President Biden's COVID-19 Advisory Board and later led the administration's task force on health equity.
Kareem "Biggs" Burke: A music industry executive best known as the co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records alongside Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter and Damon "Dame" Dash. He calls the Virgin Islands home.

Celebrating Traditional Foods and Culinary Heritage
No celebration of Virgin Islands culture would be complete without honoring our culinary traditions. Our local cuisine reflects the various peoples that have inhabited our islands throughout history, creating a unique fusion of flavors that has been passed down through generations.

Traditional Virgin Islands food tends to be spicy and hearty, with many dishes prepared using locally grown fruits and vegetables and animals reared by local farmers. One standout dessert is Red Grout, a signature treat that is traditionally served on Transfer Day, a holiday that commemorates the transfer of the Virgin Islands from Denmark to the U.S. This decadent confection blends guava, tapioca and other sweet ingredients, representing the unique fusion of influences in our culinary tradition. Other traditional USVI desserts include key lime pie, dum bread, coconut tarts, banana fritters, and rum cake.

Showcasing Local Artisans at the Virgin Islands Folklife Festival
The artistic spirit of the Virgin Islands shines brightly during Heritage Month, especially at the Virgin Islands Folklife Festival. This vibrant celebration unites tradition bearers, musicians, artisans, and community members for a public showcase of the cultural identity that defines the territory. Mark your calendars for March 6th, 2026, as the festival commences on the island of St. Croix.

This interactive program introduces young people to traditional music, storytelling, and craftsmanship through direct engagement with local culture bearers. Throughout the month, musicians, dancers, storytellers, farmers, culinary artists, and tradition bearers from St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John come together to honor the living traditions of the Virgin Islands.

This year's program places special emphasis on intergenerational exchange, creating opportunities for elders to pass down knowledge while empowering younger Virgin Islanders to carry those traditions into the future. "The Folklife Festival is about honoring the people who have kept our traditions alive—often without recognition," said Kendall Henry, coordinator of the Virgin Islands Folklife Festival.

Experience USVI Heritage Month with Love City Car Ferries, Inc.
At Love City Car Ferries, Inc, we're honored to connect you to these cultural celebrations. As you travel between islands during this special month, we encourage you to participate in the various events and activities that showcase our heritage.

Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, USVI Heritage Month offers a deeper understanding of what makes our islands extraordinary. Beyond the beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters lies a culture rich with history, tradition, and creative expression that deserves to be celebrated and preserved for generations to come.

Join us this March as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Safe travels and happy heritage exploring from all of us at Love City Car Ferries, Inc.!

​Sincerely,

Customer Relations Team
Love City Car Ferries, Inc.
Phone: 340-779-4000
Website: https://www.lovecitycarferries.com/
Email: [email protected]