Have a Holiday Idea? Submit and Get It Voted In!
Submit & Vote
.svg)
On V.I. Emancipation Day, we honor and celebrate the rich history and culture of the Virgin Islands - join in on the festivities and learn about our heritage!
Get ready to celebrate a historic day in the Virgin Islands, V.I. Emancipation Day on July 3! This holiday commemorates the abolition of slavery in the Danish West Indies (now known as the U.S. Virgin Islands) in 1848. It's a time to reflect on the struggles and triumphs of those who fought for freedom and equality, and to honor their legacy. The celebrations include parades, cultural events, and traditional food and music, making it a vibrant and meaningful day for all. So mark your calendars and join in on this joyous occasion!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1672</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Danish rule begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Danish West India Company took control of St. Thomas, marking the beginning of Danish rule in the Caribbean.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1685</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Slave code established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Danish authorities introduced a harsh Slave Code to govern the large enslaved population in the Danish West Indies.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1848</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Emancipation granted</div><div class='timeline-text'>Governor Peter von Scholten officially abolished slavery in the Danish West Indies on July 3rd.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1917</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>US purchase of Territory</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United States purchased the Danish West Indies, renaming them the U.S. Virgin Islands.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1949</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First official commemoration</div><div class='timeline-text'>V.I. Emancipation Day was first officially commemorated in 1949 as a public holiday in the U.S. Virgin Islands.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continued celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Today, V.I. Emancipation Day is celebrated each year with cultural events, traditional food, music, and parades throughout the Virgin Islands.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns host cultural festivals to celebrate V.I. Emancipation Day. Attend one of these events to learn more about the history and traditions of the Virgin Islands.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit a historical site</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take a trip to one of the many historical sites in the Virgin Islands, such as Fort Christian or Estate Whim Plantation. Learn about the important role these places played in the emancipation of slaves in the V.I.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a potluck with traditional dishes</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family for a potluck celebrating V.I. Emancipation Day. Ask everyone to bring a traditional dish from the Virgin Islands to share and enjoy together.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities and towns in the Virgin Islands hold parades on V.I. Emancipation Day. Join in on the festivities and celebrate with the local community.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn to dance traditional dances</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a dance class or workshop that teaches traditional dances from the Virgin Islands, such as quadrille or bamboula. Celebrate V.I. Emancipation Day by learning and embracing the cultural dances of the islands.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It marks a significant historical event</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>V.I. Emancipation Day commemorates the abolition of slavery in the US Virgin Islands on July 3, 1848. This important event marked the freedom of thousands of enslaved individuals and paved the way for future progress and equality.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It is a celebration of cultural heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>V.I. Emancipation Day is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the rich cultural heritage of the US Virgin Islands, including its African roots and the diverse customs and traditions that have developed over time.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes reflection and progress</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By recognizing V.I. Emancipation Day, we are reminded of our shared history and the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice. It serves as a call to action to continue pushing towards progress and inclusivity in society.</p></div></div>
V.I. Emancipation Day is celebrated on July 3rd every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Wednesday.
2023
Jul 3
Monday
2024
Jul 3
Wednesday
2025
Jul 3
Thursday
2026
Jul 3
Friday
2027
Jul 3
Saturday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
