Heroes and Fore-parents Day

Originaly named Heroes and Forefathers Day, the name was changed to Heroes and Foreparents Day in October 2021.

In a revamp of the British Overseas Territory’s public holidays to better reflect Virgin Islands culture and history, this holiday replaces St. Ursula’s Day.

Deputy Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley explained that replacing St. Ursula’s Day with Heroes and Forefathers Day in October will afford the territory a chance to recognise important Virgin Islanders of the past.

“It was recognised that we needed a day to celebrate people in our community who made contributions to the development of our society,” Dr. Wheatley explained.

Heroes’ and Foreparents Day holiday honours pioneers and outstanding community servants in fisheries and agriculture, boat building, health, business, politics, public administration, the arts and religion.

The men and women who built the Virgin Islands will be recognised for their contributions to the creation of the Virgin Islands we know today.  

A holiday to mark national heroes is commonplace in many countries throughout the Caribbean.