St Eustatius / Special Interests / Carnivals & Festivals

By Nigel Tisdall

St Eustatius's holiday calendar reflects its history and cultural ties. The leading religion is Roman Catholicism and so Christian holidays such as Easter, Ascension Day and Christmas are observed. In addition, links with the Netherlands are celebrated with an annual holiday on 30 April to commemorate the official birthday and coronation of Queen Beatrix. Labour Day (1 May) is also a public holiday. Emancipation Day, which celebrates the abolition of slavery on 1 July 1863, is a holiday for government workers and optional for the private sector.

For many Statians the big party moment is the Statia Carnival which has been running since 1964 and is held during the last weeks of July. Then the hotels are filled with visitors and returning islanders, and everyone dresses up in colourful costumes with outlandish head-dresses for parades of dancing and banner waving. Beauty contests, calypso bands and stalls selling street food add to the festive atmosphere.

On 16 November the island celebrates Statia-America Day, which commemorates the “First Salute” that was given here to the flag of the United States of America in 1776. Various cultural events such as gospel singing, talent shows and dance nights take place in the week running up to this.