Spotlight on St. John: Celebration of Emancipation 2025
- STT Mag
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Get ready to experience Freedom Week on St. John; from June 28 to July 4, 2025...a week-long festival honoring Emancipation Day with vibrant music, food, art, and unforgettable energy.
🏛️ A Legacy of Freedom & Culture
On July 3, 1848, Governor Peter von Scholten officially proclaimed the emancipation of enslaved Africans across the Danish West Indies; a pivotal moment remembered across the islands. The St. John Celebration brings that legacy to life, using music, ceremonies, and dance to honor resilience and history.
🎶 What to Expect: Vibes & Highlights
Cultural energy: Expect calypso, soca, steel pan, and dancehall filling the air at Celebration Village.
Community spirit: J’ouvert sunrise street parties, flavorful food fairs, boat races, and island pride ceremonies.
Family-friendly fun: Parades, pageantry, and fireworks create moments that resonate across generations.
Island coziness: Crowds here come with purpose—this one is for the locals and those who truly appreciate Virgin Islands culture.
Photos from St. John Celebration, Pics captured by Trini Jungle Juice
📅 Full Event Schedule: June 28–July 4
Date | Event | Time & Location |
June 28 | Princess & Queen Pageant | 5 PM–10 PM, Celebration Village |
June 28 | Food Fair & Boat Race | 12 PM–5 PM & Pan‑O‑Rama 5:30 PM–until, Frank Powell Park / Village |
June 29 – July 3 | Village Nights | 7 PM–1 AM nightly, Celebration Village |
July 3 | J’ouvert Sunrise | Dawn–10 AM, National Park Dock |
July 3 | Emancipation Ceremony | 1 PM–4 PM, Slim Man’s Parking Lot |
July 4 | St. John Parade | 11 AM–, National Park Area |
July 4 | Fireworks | 9 PM, Cruz Bay Harbor |
🚤 Getting to St. John: Ferry & Transit Info
Red Hook ↔ Cruz Bay (Foot Ferry)
Hourly service, from early morning until late evening
Approx. 20-minute ride
Adult fare ≈ $8 (non-residents)
Charlotte Amalie ↔ Cruz Bay
Departures at ~10 AM, 3 PM, 5:30 PM
Returns at ~8:45 AM, 11:15 AM, 3:45 PM
45-minute ride, fare ≈ $13
Crown Bay ↔ Cruz Bay
Operates 9:15 AM, 3:30 PM, 5:30 PM, plus weekend schedule
35-minute route, fare ≈ $20
💡 Tip: Book or arrive early on July 3–4 weekend—ferries fill fast.
🧭 Insider Tips for Visitors
Cash is king: Many vendors and ferry terminals don’t accept cards.
Dress for celebration: Colorful, breathable, and parade-ready clothes are perfect.
Bring water & sunscreen: Festival days are long and energetic.
Stay late: Cruz Bay’s rhythm extends after fireworks—food trucks, music, mingling included.
🎉 Why YOU Should Be There
The St. John Celebration is more than a week of music and festivity; it’s a declaration of freedom, a living classroom, and an emotional island embrace. From sunrise drumbeats to evening fireworks, you’ll witness history unfolding through joy, unity, and pride.
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