Date
Monday
Mar
31

March 31

Transfer Day

Ready to escape to paradise? On Transfer Day, the US Virgin Islands officially became part of the United States - come explore and relax with us!

Yearly Date
March 31
Type
Day
Category
Federal

Introduction

Get ready to make the switch and celebrate Transfer Day on March 31! This day commemorates an important event in American history – when the Danish West Indies were transferred from Denmark to the United States in 1917, becoming what is now known as the US Virgin Islands. The transfer was a significant moment for both countries and has since been celebrated with parades, cultural events, and more. So whether you're planning a trip to the beautiful islands or just want to learn more about their history, Transfer Day is a great opportunity to do so. Let's raise our flags and celebrate this special day!

Transfer Day Timeline

1666
Danish West Indies Established
Denmark established colony in the Caribbean, which later became known as the Danish West Indies.
1848
Emancipation of Slaves
Governor Peter von Scholten declared the emancipation of slaves in Danish West Indies.
1917
Transfer Day Transaction
Denmark sold the Danish West Indies to the United States for 25 million dollars in gold.
1917
U.S Virgin Islands
The United States renamed the Danish West Indies to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
1932
Formal Recognition of Transfer Day
Transfer Day was formally recognized as a holiday in the U.S. Virgin Islands on March 31st.
2017
Centennial Celebration
The U.S. Virgin Islands celebrated the 100th anniversary of Transfer Day.

How to Celebrate Transfer Day

1

Throw a transfer party

Gather your friends and family and throw a party to celebrate your transfer! Decorate with transfer-related decorations, serve transfer-themed snacks and drinks, and have fun reminiscing about your journey so far.

2

Create a scrapbook of your transfer experience

Gather photos, ticket stubs, and other mementos from your time at your previous school and create a scrapbook to commemorate your transfer experience. This will be a great way to look back on this important moment in your life.

3

Explore your new campus

Take some time to explore your new campus and get familiar with all the different buildings, facilities, and resources available. You can also try out some of the campus dining options to get a feel for the food choices available to you.

4

Attend a transfer orientation

Many schools offer transfer orientations to help new students acclimate to the campus and learn about the different resources available. Attend one and get to know other transfer students who are going through a similar experience.

5

Join a transfer student organization

Look for transfer student organizations on your new campus and join one! This will give you the opportunity to meet other transfer students and get involved in campus activities right away.

Why Transfer Day is Important

A

It commemorates an important event in history

Transfer Day, also known as Virgin Islands Transfer Day, marks the day when the United States purchased the Danish West Indies (now US Virgin Islands) from Denmark. This purchase had a significant impact on both countries and is an important part of their shared history.

B

It celebrates cultural diversity

The US Virgin Islands are a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean. Transfer Day serves as a celebration of this rich diversity and reminds us of the importance of embracing different cultures and traditions.

C

It showcases the resilience of a community

After being passed around between various colonial powers for centuries, the US Virgin Islands have managed to maintain their unique identity and thrive despite many challenges. Transfer Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the strength and resilience of this community in overcoming adversity.

Transfer Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 30
Thursday
2024
Mar 30
Saturday
2025
Mar 30
Sunday
2026
Mar 30
Monday
2027
Mar 30
Tuesday