One of the oldest parts of the cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands dates back to a time when enslaved Africans were brought to St. Croix over 400 years ago. Part of their culture that they brought with them was the practice of mocko jumbie. Mocko jumbies are traditional stilt dancers that dress in colorful clothing and wear a mask. When we see them at cultural celebrations, private parties and other special events, they are an immediate reminder of Virgin Islands history, heritage and culture. The word ‘moko’ comes from a Central African language meaning healer and ‘jumbie’ means ghost or spirit. Many African tribes view mocko jumbies as seekers, protectors or guardians of their village. Their height, which symbolizes the power of God, was believed to be their way of seeing evil before it arrived and would allow them to warn other villagers.
Here in the Virgin Islands, we call mocko jumbies the guardians of our culture. A performance troupe of the same name has been dedicated to preserving the art of stilt dancing in the Virgin Islands since 1979. Grooming and shaping the future generation of traditional stilt dancers, Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies is led by Virgin Islander Willard John who is often heard saying “the best way to preserve culture is to live it.” They infuse Caribbean excitement and Crucian flavor for private parties, weddings and cultural events. They meet, greet, perform, inform and interact for the delight of any audience.
John has trained over 400 young Virgin Islanders the traditional art of Moko Jumbie, volunteering his time, energy and undying love to the preservation of Virgin Islands culture. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, John, the Guardians of Culture staff and his team of volunteers continue to do their part in keeping this rich Virgin Islands tradition alive. Senior ranking Jumbies gather weekly to teach, fix stilts and give guidance to up-and-coming Jumbies. As a 100% volunteer and donorbased organization, Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies rely on the support and sponsorship of people and businesses of the Virgin Islands community. They are currently raising funds to support the building project at their practice home in the Schjang ballpark in Estate St. John. Every Saturday from 9:30am-12:30pm, you can find the Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies preserving the Virgin Islands culture the only way they know how – where “each one teach one!” To see them in action and to learn more, follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MokoJumbies.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
It’s official! The US Virgin Islands has their very own madras fabric that represents the unique characteristics that make the territory the cherished Caribbean gem that it is. Originated in India, madras is a lightweight cotton fabric with a colorful patterned texture and distinctive plaid design that was named for the small, remote fishing village of Madraspatnam (Madras). It became a household fabric throughout the Caribbean when it was traded by Dutch and British settlers in the 1600s. Islands throughout the region have adopted their own unique madras pattern to use in their cultural costumes and modern-day clothing. On June 5th, 2021, the official Virgin Islands of the United States Madras fabric was unveiled to the public at the Frederick Dorsch Cultural Center in Frederiksted. The official madras fabric was established by Act No. 8424 (BILL NO. 33-0226). This Act amended the Virgin Islands Code Title 1, Chapter 7 to establish the official Madras of the Virgin Islands of the United States. Thanks to a grant awarded by the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts to the St. Croix Heritage Dancers, the official design was created by local artist and textile designer Debbie Sun. The woven plaid consists of seven different colors:
Green represents the islands’ natural resources and production
Turquoise represents the natural beauty of the waters of the territory
Royal blue represents the deep sea and transport and discovery
Red represents strength and love
Pink represents the conch shell and the call to freedom
Yellow represents the territory’s official flower, the yellow cedar
White represents the traditional dress made from flour sacks
St. Croix Heritage Dancers Vice President Alvin Milligan shared that “the vision is to have the Virgin Islands madras showcased on all cultural attired dancers and performers at the cultural events and pageants.” Additionally, he anticipates that the fabric will be used in contemporary fashion and interior décor. The fabric is available for purchase on St. Croix at Divi Divi Fabrics, Ebbe’s Store and Clara’s Special Occasions.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
Photo credit Elisa McKay, St Croix Source
Interested in reading more about the new madras? Check out articles on GoToStCroix and VI Consortium.
Question: “I have heard of the word “limin.” What does that mean?“
Chris’s Answer:
Limin is a word used in the Caribbean to mean hanging out, relaxing, or taking it easy. You are usually limin with friends, but could be limin by yourself. When thinking of property to buy, where would you like to lime? Since we have a moderate climate year ‘round, think about both indoor and outdoor spaces for your limin.
Question: “I would like to buy a property near a great beach. Which are the best beaches on St Croix?“
Christie’s Answer:
Your perfect beach will depend on what you like in a beach. Some beaches are known for their powdery sand. Others are great for snorkeling. Some beaches have restaurants nearby. Our favorite beaches are where we can take our dogs to play and swim, and are remote enough that we rarely see another person. We have the whole beach to ourselves!
The historic Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort will be converting to Wyndham’s Trademark Collection. The Buccaneer is the oldest family-run resort in the Caribbean, opening as a hotel in 1947 with buildings that date to 1653, when the Knights of Malta were in St. Croix. The family-owned-and-operated resort said that the current ownership, management and staff will remain in place, but the resort will gain access to the 86 million Wyndham Rewards members via the brand’s reservation system. The resort plans to complete transition to the Trademark Collection by Wyndham over the next several months.
A member of Historic Hotels of America, the Buccaneer’s historical features include a sugar mill from the early 1700s, the Cotton House that was used in the early 1900s when cotton replaced sugar as the Virgin Islands’ primary crop and the Hamilton Wing, rumored to have been Alexander Hamilton’s home during his time on St. Croix. Read about the property’s history on the island here on Travel Weekly.
The US Virgin Islands is one of the hottest yachting destination in the region right now. According to the Caribbean Journal, “From an increase in bold-faced names bringing their boats to the USVI to a sizzling charter industry, there’s no buzzier marine getaway in the region.”
According to the USVI Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, USVI has been hosting a number of marine events amid the pandemic due to the territory’s “diligent adherence to public health protocols, including our Travel Screening Portal, we have been successful in delivering marine events in the Territory over the past year.”
We are looking forward to the possibility of USVI Tourism and the Office of the Governor creating a marine program specific for the island of St Croix. This would be exciting for St Croix!
Here in the Virgin Islands, we call mocko jumbies the guardians of our culture. A performance troupe of the same name has been dedicated to preserving the art of stilt dancing in the Virgin Islands since 1979. Grooming and shaping the future generation of traditional stilt dancers, Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies is led by Virgin Islander Willard John who is often heard saying “the best way to preserve culture is to live it.” They infuse Caribbean excitement and Crucian flavor for private parties, weddings and cultural events. They meet, greet, perform, inform and interact for the delight of any audience.
