Food, Unity And Lots Of Dancing Marked This Year’s Crucian-Rican Breakfast

ST. CROIX — The turnout, smiles and carefree attitudes of those who danced in the streets of Christiansted on Friday from the Basin Triangle beginning at 6:00 a.m. to the Market, would fool anyone into believing that 2017 was a year filled with nothing but blessings — even though Hurricanes Irma and Maria ravaged the USVI and left many in hardship.

But residents who participated in yesterday’s exceptional Crucian-Rican Breakfast event had determined in their minds that nothing would stop them from enjoying their lives and ringing in 2018 with a positive outlook.

And so well over a thousand people joined Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights for the festive cultural affair. The event, held annually on Three Kings Day, celebrated its eleventh year with bands, a deejay and, of course, toothsome food.

Speaking of food, it came in abundance at the Market — from roast pork to soups — the eats were there to be had free of charge to anyone willing to wait in the long lines. Some eventgoers had gathered at the Market even before the Knights arrived to beat the crowd. The food is traditionally prepared by organizations and served by volunteers who are sometimes employees of these organizations.

As with every other event this year, there has been a curiosity as to whether people would participate. But at each event — including J’ouvert Morning and notable events at the Festival Village, Virgin Islanders have surprised even the most pessimistic observers by showing up in huge numbers.

The Crucian-Rican Breakfast was certainly not an exception, boasting one of its biggest crowds in years.

“Happy New Year!” the Sleepless Knights’ lead singer called out from the slow-moving truck that carried the band, receiving a resounding response from those strutting alongside as the vehicle steadied to a halt for the final dance, the Electric Slide, at the Market. Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights has been the only band to lead the decade-old event and is the go-to group for many cultural gatherings on St. Croix.

After The Knights finished its set, Digital Band took over, performing popular hits along with some of the band’s original tunes. The event is also a hotspot for politicians looking to build momentum during election years.