Virgin Islands National Park Hosts Folklife Festival Revival for 250th Anniversary of U.S.

Contact: Virgin Islands National Park

ST. JOHN, U.S. Virgin Islands - Virgin Islands National Park is excited to announce the celebration of the Folklife Festival Revival in recognition of the 250th anniversary of our nation. The Freedom 250 milestone marks the 250th anniversary of the establishment of the United States after the Revolutionary War in 1776. The National Park Service has planned special events in parks across the country to share local expressions of freedom.

"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. "This festival is a testament to the vibrant culture of the Virgin Islands community and their dedication to preserving these traditions."

The Folklife Festival Revival will begin on March 27 on the Cruz Bay Ball Field adjacent to the visitor center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be cultural demonstrators, vendors and culture bearers to engage with students and the public. Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of hands-on demonstrations including Tyre palm broom making, wood carving, Quadrille, mauby making, May Pole and live Quelbe.

The event will continue March 28 at the Annaberg Sugar Factory Ruins from 2 to 6 p.m. This celebration will feature a variety of activities, including guided tours, educational programs, family-friendly entertainment (dumb bread making, drumming, Bamboula dancers, Quelbe and Quadrille) and light refreshments.

The park is grateful for the partnership of the community, Ten Sleepless Knights, U.S. Virgin Islands AARP, Starfish Market, Dolphin Market, the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park and our dedicated volunteers.

For program information please visit the park's Calendar of Events.