Easter in the Virgin Islands

Like many places around the world, Easter is a holiday celebrated and enjoyed by many across the Virgin Islands. 

Traditionally a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Easter follows Lent, a forty day period beginning on Ash Wednesday. Lent is observed by acts of penance and fasting as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifices. During Lent, people often abstain from things that are a part of their daily lives, such as eating red meats or sugars, or giving up scrolling on social media, or donating the money they would use on a daily coffee to charity. The week before Easter is known as Holy Week. Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. Good Friday remembers the day of his crucifixion, and Holy Saturday the day between Crucifixion and Resurrection. Easter Sunday is celebrated with special church services, followed by a meal of meats, breads, cheeses, and desserts that is enjoyed with family and friends. 

Easter also has many non-religious traditions that are celebrated by people around the world. Easter Eggs are fun seasonal decorations that represent rebirth and are painted by children and families. Often, a character called the Easter Bunny will hide plastic eggs filled with candy or small toys around the garden for children to find in an Easter Egg hunt. Egg Rolling are events that are held where families can gather and children and their parents compete in rolling their eggs down a hill. Famously, the White House hosts such an event on the lawn of the White House with games, story time, and activities for the whole family. 

The Caribbean is predominantly Christian and many attend Easter services at church. Beaches are a popular spot for families and friends to gather and celebrate Easter, with tents popping up to camp for the long weekend and enjoy the outdoors with cookouts, swimming, and games. Traditionally fish is served for Easter dinner, along with delicacies such as johnny cakes, saltfish, and spiced raisin buns. 

Easter Rock on North Shore Road via News of St. John

On North Shore Road on St. John, between Hawksnest Beach and Peace Hill is a large egg-shaped boulder known as Easter Rock. Legend has it that every year on the night before Easter, the giant boulder makes its way down to the beach to take a drink of water, before rolling back up the hill to its perch on North Shore Road, leaving Easter Rock wet on Easter morning.