{"id":54936,"date":"2025-12-08T04:50:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-08T04:50:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/54936\/"},"modified":"2025-12-08T04:50:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T04:50:16","slug":"photo-focus-crucian-coconut-festival-celebrates-culture-cuisine-and-community-at-bethlehem-sugar-factory","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/54936\/","title":{"rendered":"Photo Focus: Crucian Coconut Festival Celebrates Culture, Cuisine, and Community at Bethlehem Sugar Factory"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"A coconut-husking demonstration highlighted the island\u2019s agricultural traditions. (Source photo by Diana Dias)<\/p>\n

St. Croix Farmers in Action hosted the ninth annual Crucian Coconut Festival, celebrating the cultural significance of the coconut in Crucian heritage through art, cuisine, and community. This year\u2019s theme,\u00a0\u201cKeeping Coconut Alive in 2025,\u201d\u00a0guided two days of vibrant activities at the historic Bethlehem Sugar Factory Site.<\/p>\n

\"\"A tower of Coconut Festival cups showcased the event\u2019s festive branding. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
\n\"\"Festivalgoers enjoyed a variety of local foods and sweet treats, including roasted corn and other favorites. (Source photo by Diana Dias)<\/p>\n

The festivities began Saturday with the Fine Art Exhibit & Taste of Coconut\u00a0event. The evening featured a juried fine art exhibition curated by Lucien Downes and a cooking competition hosted by Teddy\u2019s, where local chefs prepared coconut-inspired appetizers, beverages, and desserts. Live music by Gyasi provided the night\u2019s soundtrack.<\/p>\n

\"\"Melee served delicious pi\u00f1a coladas and other coconut-themed beverages throughout the Coconut Festival. (Source photo by Diana Dias)<\/p>\n

Sunday marked the main Coconut Festival, offering a full day of family-friendly entertainment, including the Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies, face painting, mini-horse rides, coconut husking, painting, hat weaving, and more.<\/p>\n

\"\"Face painting added vibrant color and excitement to the Coconut Festival. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
\n\"\"One activity station demonstrated how to turn coconut into ink for art, giving young visitors a hands-on learning experience. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
\n\"\"The Children\u2019s Museum provided engaging activities and entertainment for young attendees. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
\n\"\"Local artisans demonstrated traditional hat-weaving techniques. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
\n\"\"Attendees decorated ornaments and created other fun arts and crafts projects. (Source photo by Diana Dias)<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Crucian Coconut Festival has become a beloved tradition that honors our island\u2019s agricultural heritage while supporting the preservation of one of St. Croix\u2019s most important historical landmarks,\u201d said Festival Director Karen \u201cLady Mac\u201d McIntosh-Bruce. \u201cThis annual fundraiser ensures that the Bethlehem Sugar Factory Site continues to serve as a gathering place for our community and a window into our past.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Artwork by Nora Stewart was proudly displayed during the festival. (Source photo by Diana Dias)<\/p>\n

All proceeds from the festival support the maintenance and preservation of the Bethlehem Sugar Factory Site, a historic landmark that stands as a testament to St. Croix\u2019s rich sugar production heritage.<\/p>\n


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