Virgin Gorda celebrates Easter

Hundreds lined the streets of Virgin Gorda for the annual Easter Monday Parade, the main event of the sister island’s three-day Easter Festival.

Beginning hours after the death of Pope Francis, the procession started at the Bregado Flax Educational Centre.

From there, performers made their way to the Berton Creque Festival Village, which was named in honour of the fungi singer who sat alongside Parade Marshall Gloria Fahie at the head of the parade.

Together with a lively moko jumbie troupe and a government float, dancers and baton twirlers marched toward Spanish Town to perform group-by-group in front of a panel of three judges.

Later that day, the Festival Village would come alive with a line-up of stage performances as it had each evening since Friday.

‘Wonderful turnout’

VG Easter Festival Committee Chairperson Reshawn Stevens said the Monday parade came after a successful celebration over the weekend.

“Last night, we had a wonderful turnout,” he said shortly before the parade started, adding that he was expecting the festivities to end on a high note as well. “I was told a lot of people ame over on the boats. So I’m excited to see everyone come over and see what Virgin Gorda has to offer.”

This year’s parade was shorter than last year’s, but support from the sister islands helped entertain bystanders, Mr. Stevens said.

“We have troupes from Tortola; we have [Elmore Stoutt High School], Virgin Islands School for Technical Studies, and a lot more here to support us today,” he added.

‘Tradition’

Strolling along the parade as it was set up, a few residents mentioned the conventionally late start they’d come to expect.

“We’re off to a late start, but, you know, that’s a part of the tradition,” Mr. Stevens said at around noon. “My committee members are working hard trying to get everything together to start the parade.”

Nearby, Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley, who represents Virgin Gorda and Anegada in the House of Assembly, was helping pull Junior Minister of Culture Luce Hodge-Smith onto a float set up on a flatbed truck.

The pair were soon joined by Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley, Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer, and First District Representative Karl Dawson.

Later, in front of the judges, the health minister provided commentary to the Beacon on the procession happening before him.

“To the right is a judging station where the troupes get to perform whatever routine they’ve practised for this day,” Mr. Wheatley said.

Asked how he was doing during the parade, he responded enthusiastically.

“It’s a bright and sunny day,” he said. “The parade is absolutely fantastic. I’m feeling really good today. Lots of visitors here among us, just enjoying Virgin Gorda.”

Shining sun

Also among the participants was Shamara Jackson, a member of the Bobcat dance troupe from the VI School of Technical Studies.

Asked for the day’s outlook, Ms. Jackson said bystanders could expect good vibes.

“Fun vibes, energy — a lot, a lot, a lot of energy,” Ms. Jackson said. “Just have fun at this event.”

Along with her troupe, Ms. Jackson said, she had been practising hard leading up to this year’s Easter holiday.

“It takes a long time for us to practise and go through all of this,” Ms. Jackson said. “Blood, sweat, tears, everything.”

At the front of the procession, Mr. Creque told the Beacon that it felt great to be honoured this year by having the festival village named after him.

“I’m having a great time, so to speak,” he said. “It’s very warm right now. … I hope it don’t get any hotter.”

Mr. Creque added that the parade was just one of his many responsibilities during the festival.

“I played Saturday night in the village for opening,” he said. “I played yesterday, and as soon as the parade is finished I have to go and play again. So it’s gonna be a long and tired weekend.”

Behind the parade marshal’s vehicle were two more pickup trucks carrying the youth royal court elected for this year’s festival.

Among the beauty queens waving to crowds under the glaring sun was Alana Williams, Miss Virgin Gorda Easter Festival 2024/2025.

“It’s hot, yes,” she told the Beacon, “but we’re grateful for the wind to keep us cool.”

Other events held over the weekend included the Rise and Shine Tramp, a car show and the village opening on Saturday.

On Sunday, attendees took part in the Ralph T. O’Neal Hat Parade, an Easter egg hunt hosted by the Lions Club, and a Wet Fete in addition to entertainment in the village.

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