Hispanic Heritage Month festivities were in full swing Saturday night as hundreds of residents and visitors gathered on St. Croix for a lively block party celebrating Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day. The event, part of a weekend of cultural activities, brought music, food, and fellowship to the streets in a vibrant display of Caribbean unity.
Attendees were seen dancing the electric slide to the sounds of the 411 Band, supporting local vendors, and proudly wearing shirts in recognition of Puerto Rican friendship. Laughter, movement, and music filled the air as the community came together to celebrate decades of shared heritage. Central High School’s SPARK Committee was also seen vending and representing the school. A special happy birthday was extended to “Big Daddy Chucho” before he took the stage with the 411 Band.
First established in 1964 by Gov. Ralph Paiewonsky, VI/PR Friendship Day honors Puerto Ricans who live in the Virgin Islands or have made significant contributions to the territory. The public holiday, observed annually on the second Monday in October, coincides with Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day. This year marks the 61st celebration, which will be officially observed on Oct. 13.
The festivities extended beyond the block party, with the multiday VI/PR Village festival on St. Croix featuring cultural presentations, traditional dishes, and performances celebrating the deep connections between the two U.S. territories.
As part of the celebrations, four honorees were recognized Thursday at Government House for their outstanding contributions that reflect the enduring friendship and shared legacy between Virgin Islanders and Puerto Ricans. Arthur Cedric Petersen Jr. was honored for his decades of service in agriculture and education. Michelle Smith, a rising track standout, was celebrated for her athletic excellence. José Luis Saldana, business owner and community advocate, was recognized for a lifetime of enterprise and civic engagement rooted in his family’s migration story from Vieques in the 1930s. Carmen Gladys Félix Encarnación was also honored for her lifelong dedication to community and culture.
As the celebrations continued into the night, one sentiment resonated throughout the crowd — pride in a shared history and optimism for the future of the Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico bond.
St. Croix Source
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