The second annual Tart Wars, hosted by local influencer West Gyul, is set to take over the Frederiksted waterfront this Saturday in what has quickly become one of St. Croix’s most anticipated summer events.
Celebrating culture, flavor, and friendly competition, Tart Wars brings together tart dealers from across the island to battle it out for the title of “Best Tart” in several categories—coconut, pineapple, guava, and a specialty tart category featuring island favorites like guavaberry, gooseberry, and mango.
What is considered “a block party for the culture,” promises to be full day of live entertainment, local food, cultural displays, and interactive activities for all ages.
With more than 30,000 social media followers and counting, West Gyul has grown from an anonymous digital voice into a cultural cornerstone for St. Croix. Run by Tatyana Watts-Clarke and Daja Brooks-James, since its launch in 2018, the platform emerged out of a desire to reconnect the community with its traditions and happenings.
Beyond promoting events, West Gyul has supported local businesses through free advertising, pop-up shops, and direct community assistance. Their Tart Wars event is an extension of that mission—celebrating food, identity, and pride in the Virgin Islands.
The action begins at 1 p.m., with voting open until 6 p.m., and winners announced shortly after.
Schedule Highlights
(All events take place on the Frederiksted waterfront)
- 1:00–1:30 p.m. – Opening ceremony: Welcome, prayer, and conch shell blowing
- 1:30–2:00 p.m. – Team entrances
- 2:00–2:30 p.m. – Team trivia challenge
- 2:30–3:00 p.m. – Performance by the Sparkling Light Twirlers
- 3:00–4:00 p.m. – Live music from Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights
- 4:00–5:00 p.m. – St. Patrick’s School Steel Pan & Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies
- 5:00–6:00 p.m. – Best Dressed competition
- 6:30–7:00 p.m. – Tart Dealer and Team Challenge winners announced
- 7:00–8:30 p.m. – Closing performance: Vio and the Fire Dancers
Unlike last year, all activities will be centralized on the waterfront, creating a walkable, family-friendly experience.
The event also includes Kidsville, located at Mildred Cummings Park, featuring music, live performances, interactive activity stations, and a fashion display by Jr. Miss St. Croix.
In total, over 100 vendors will participate, including 18 tart dealers and 84 food, craft, and snack vendors.
“Every vendor will have a QR code,” explained co-organizer Brooks-James during a live stream. “When scanned, you’ll get access to a scavenger hunt, the event map, and the main schedule.”
Volunteers assigned to each area will be identifiable by lanyards to assist guests throughout the day.
Prior to tart wars social media has been a buzz as challenges in different organizations have been circulating. The V.I. Legislature, One Communications, and the V.I. Housing Finance Authority all have hosted their own tart war challenges.
Residents can also vote for their favorite tart online by downloading the “My Virgin Islands” app and submit your picks for your own favorite tart.
During a Facebook Live, co-host Raydiance Watts-Clarke reminded guests to treat the event space with care.
“Be respectful to the space—not just the park, but the entire area of Frederiksted,” she said.
Tart Wars continues to evolve as more than just a competition—it’s a vibrant display of community pride, cultural resilience, and island creativity. With live music, food, and tarts of every flavor, Saturday’s event promises something for everyone.
For the full schedule and video preview, click here.
St. Croix Source
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