Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. today announced a weekend of free public events to celebrate the 51st U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands Friendship Day, honoring the close ties between the territories under the theme “Binding our ties through friendship and culture.”

“Last weekend’s Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day reminded us that our islands are stitched together by family names and nicknames, shared kitchens and carnival rhythms, stories passed from elders to children and songs everyone somehow knows,” Gov. Bryan said. “In that same spirit, we mark the 51st USVI/BVI Friendship Day, two communities closely knit by family and daily life, gathering to celebrate what we share.”

The celebration begins Saturday, Oct. 18, at 10 a.m. in Emancipation Garden with a cultural program featuring music, dance, storytelling and a full slate of performances and presentations in Charlotte Amalie. It continues Sunday, Oct. 19, at the Mark C. Marin Center at Antilles School, where the U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands men’s national basketball teams will meet in a friendly matchup. Tipoff is at 1 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to bring their flags, their families and their island pride.

USVI/BVI Friendship Day was established in the early 1970s to recognize the shared history, culture, commerce and family connections that link Virgin Islanders across the channel. The annual observance highlights cultural exchange, sporting events and community gatherings that reinforce long-standing ties between the territories.

“As we celebrate 51 years of friendship, let us honor the ties that bind us, our families and our culture, and enjoy a safe, spirited weekend together,” Gov. Bryan said.