Summer Festivals Make U.S. Virgin Islands Ideal for Families

As the United States gears up for its annual Independence Day celebrations, the U.S. Virgin Islands are in the midst of similar preparations, making the summer a fun time for family travelers exploring the islands of St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island.

USVI celebrates Emancipation Day July 3, the day slavery ended on the islands, and as a territory of the United States, it also celebrates Independence Day July 4. To take part in the celebrations, head to St. John for the St. John Celebration. Festivities actually begin this month with a pageant to crown the Princess and the Queen on June 21, and continue with a food fair; boat race; and plenty of food, drinks and entertainment. Celebrations culminate on July 4 with a fireworks show at Cruz Bay Harbor.

The Mango Melee, which will take place this year on July 13, is a quirky but fun family-friendly event celebrating … drum roll please … mangoes! It kicks off the mango season with cooking demonstrations to show you creative ways to incorporate mangoes into your food, mango tastings and the “Mango Dis, Mango Dat” mango-eating contest. Mangoes may not be native to these islands, but once they were introduced, they found a hospitable environment in which to grow exceptionally well.

Today, there are more than 100 varieties growing on the islands. St. Croix, where this annual festival is held, is the perfect place for a family to spend a day learning all about the fruit while listening to local music and watching performances by dance groups and traditional moko jumbies (stilt walkers). There will also be plenty to eat and drink that isn’t mango-related, just in case you and the family get your fill of tropical fruits. Even if you don’t make it to these fun festivals, you’ll still find the islands a place where the family can enjoy a vacation filled with amazing beaches, welcoming hospitality and a rich culture.