Culture & Tourism Month begins! Lobster Fest in the line-up

Junior Minister of Tourism Luce Hodge-Smith has officially launched Culture and Tourism Month 2024, spotlighting the Territory’s rich heritage and featuring the highly anticipated Anegada Lobster Fest—a marquee event on the Virgin Islands’ tourism calendar this November.

“This month is a time to reflect on our journey, celebrate our people, and explore how we can continue to share our culture with the world through sustainable tourism,” Hodge-Smith stated in a Facebook presentation on Thursday, October 31. “Let us work together to strengthen the bonds of culture and tourism for a prosperous future,” she added.

Department of Culture Director, Dr. Katherine Smith spoke about the deep connection between culture and tourism, noting that “whenever tourists travel to a destination to experience its culture, this can include arts tourism, heritage tourism, or just a people’s everyday culture.”

Dr. Smith further outlined the diverse lineup of activities planned for November, including the popular Anegada Lobster Fest, running from November 30 to December 1, and the Fungi Festival from November 15 to 17 on the various islands.

Other events include the 284 Excellence Film Competition on November 2, a history workshop at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College on November 15, the unveiling of The Manatee mural at the Bamboushay Lounge on November 23, and the Cultural Food Fair featuring a coconut and guava tart competition on November 29.

Smith added that the Territory’s offerings reflect multiple facets of tourism, which will be showcased throughout November. Last year’s Culture and Tourism Month celebrated the theme, “Our Virgin Islands, Our Story: Tell Your Story.”