Jump Up is a big party held on a Friday in the streets of Christiansted four times each year. The celebrations are held around the following occasions:
– Valentine’s Day
– Ironman Triathlon (April / May)
– Independence Day
– Thanksgiving
Exact dates fluctuate year-to-year, so check StCroixTourism.com or the Facebook page of the host organization, the Christiansted Restaurant and Retail Association. Be sure not to miss . . .
1. High Risk Dancing
Care to dance with a flaming hula hoop or on five-foot stilts? Didn’t think so . . . but it is fun to watch the pros.
– Fire Dancers
Kiki and the Flaming Gypsies are well known around island for their incredible performances with fire. This includes fire spinning and using flaming objects such as batons in their dances. Catch their performances around the Comanche Mill Yachtless Club on the boardwalk.
– Mocko Jumbies
Mocko Jumbies are costumed stilt performers. They are an icon in St. Croix culture, which are believed to scare away bad spirits. Watch for up to a dozen of them to dance together on Queen Cross Street.
2. Trash Cans Turned Instruments
Steel orchestras play a variety of instruments, some closely resembling trash cans. Local teens turn them into beautiful music.
– Steel pan orchestras
Several impressive youth groups exist on-island of 30 plus steel pan players. They include the Rising Star Steel Orchestra and The Ebenezer Methodist Steel Orchestra. These musical groups are scattered throughout the closed main streets of town.
– Bands / DJs
Many local bands and DJs also perform at the event. Every block of Christiansted seems to offer a different sound and opportunity to dance during Jump Up.
3. Tastes of Town
Why order an entire appetizer when you could just try a bite first?
– Restaurant stations
Many Christiansted restaurants set-up outdoor tables to showcase their most popular menu items. For example, Tavern 1844 offers appetizer portions of their fried zucchini, while Dashi sushi offers California rolls. This is great way to taste the town and decide where you’d like to sit down for a full dinner.
– Street carts
Get a taste of local roti and other dishes from tents and grills around town. Pate, Johnny Cakes and kebobs are popular.
– Libations
As with any island event, drinks are flowing. Attendees are welcome to walk the streets with a Cruzan Rum cocktail or their beverage of choice.
4. Dresses at a Discount
Find your ideal sundress or pick-up the bracelet you’ve had your eye on.
– Store sales
Christiansted retailers offer outdoor racks and tables of clearance items and often run in-store discounts for Jump Up. Popular clothing retailers From the Gecko, Asha and Hot Heads always have good sales for these events. It is also a good time to shop for jewelry at favorites like Joyia-Inspirational Jewelry, Crucian Gold, ib designs, and Sonya’s LTD.
– Street tents
Local artisans set-up tents to showcase fashion, jewelry and art in a variety of mediums.
Ready to live where outdoor events are held year-round?
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