Calendar of Events

February

Annual St. Croix International Regatta. Held at the St. Croix Yacht Club on Teague Bay, this 3-day regatta celebrates its 14th year in 2007. Although a rather minor regatta, it draws serious yachties from the B.V.I., the U.S.V.I., and Florida. Call St. Croix Yacht Club at tel. 340/773-9531 or visit www.stcroixyc.com for details. Mid-February.

March

International Rolex Cup Regatta. This is one of three regattas in the Caribbean Ocean Racing Triangle (CORT) series. Top-ranked international racers come to St. Thomas to compete in front of the world's yachting press. The St. Thomas Yacht Club hosts the 3-day event. Call tel. 340/775-4701 or visit www.rolexcupregatta.com. Late March.

April

B.V.I. Spring Regatta. This is the third of the CORT events. A range of talents, from the most dedicated racers to bareboat crews out for "rum and reggae," participate in the 4-day race. Contact the B.V.I. Spring Regatta Committee, P.O. Box 200, Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I. (tel. 284/494-3286; www.bvispringregatta.org). Early April.

Virgin Gorda Easter Festival. Easter weekend is a big event on Virgin Gorda, featuring street parades, a beauty pageant, and nonstop partying. There is no number to call for information -- just arrive on Good Friday, Holy Saturday, or Easter Sunday, and you should have no trouble finding the party. Easter weekend.

Virgin Islands Carnival. This annual celebration on St. Thomas, with origins in Africa, is the most spectacular and fun carnival in the Virgin Islands. "Mocko Jumbies," people dressed as spirits, parade through the streets on stilts nearly 20 feet high. Steel and fungi bands, "jump-ups," and parades are part of the festivities. Over the years, interestingly, the festivities have become more and more Christianized. Events take place islandwide, but most of the action is on the streets of Charlotte Amalie. For information, call tel. 340/776-3112 or visit www.vicarnival.com for a schedule of events. After Easter.

July

Carnival in St. John. The elements of Carnival are combined with emancipation and independence celebrations in this festive event, which culminates on July 4 with a big parade. Thousands of St. Thomas residents flock to St. John for the parades, calypso bands, colorful costumes, and events leading up to the selection of Ms. St. John and the King of the Carnival. Call the St. John tourist office at tel. 340/776-6201 for more details. First week of July.

August

B.V.I. Emancipation Celebrations. Many visitors from other Caribbean islands hop over to Road Town, in Tortola, for this 2-week party. Join locals as they dance to fungi and reggae bands, and take part in the Emancipation Day Parade and other carnival activities and festivities. For information, call the B.V.I. Tourist Board Office at tel. 284/494-3134. Early August.

U.S. Virgin Islands Open/Atlantic Blue Marlin Tournament. This prestigious St. Thomas-centered charity event (proceeds go to the Boy Scouts) is also eco-friendly -- trophies are based on the number of blue marlin caught, tagged, and released. The tournament is open to anyone who's interested, and sport fishers come from around the world to participate. For more information, call the VI Council of the Boy Scouts of America at tel. 888/234-7484 or 340/775-9500; www.abmt.vi. Late August (weekend closest to the full moon).

December

Christmas in St. Croix. This major event launches the beginning of a 12-day celebration that includes Christmas Day, Christmas Second Day (Dec 26), New Year's Eve (called "Old Year's Day"), and New Year's Day. It ends on January 6, the Feast of the Three Kings, with a parade of flamboyantly attired merrymakers. For information, call the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism office in Christiansted at tel. 340/773-0495.