BVI Happenings: Emancipation Festival Kicks Off, and Summer Sizzle is Back!
Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival Kicks Off
Start celebrating the islands’ biggest annual event, the Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival. Events kick off on July 13th with the Miss BVI Pageant and then cascade from there. As the name implies, the festival, a carnival like event with beauty pageants, music competitions, concerts, parades and more, honors the 1834 Emancipation Proclamation that ended slavery throughout the British Empire, including here in the West Indies.
In its earliest form, emancipation was celebrated in the islands’ villages with picnics and games. There was maypole dancing, tug of war and donkey races. But in the mid-20th century, the first carnival parade was held with costumed troupes marching down Main Street.
Now bigger and glitzier than ever, Festival is pure raw energy with an explosion of music, parades, food and drink. The centerpiece of Festival is the Village, a series of wooden booths that proffer food and drink. Here you will find your salt fish, peas and rice and johnny cakes. There will be maubi and rum, and a large stage at the center with soca and reggae groups nightly. For the kids there are amusement park rides and carnival games.
In between there is something for everyone. In the Prince and Princess Competition to be held on July 19th adorable young couples vie for the title and bragging rights in this popular event. There are nights for every local musical genre, including Calypso, Gospel, Latin, Soca and Reggae. On Sunday, August 3rd, a ceremony honoring the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation will be held at the Sunday Morning Well, the same venue where the Proclamation was announced almost 200 years ago.
For many, the highlight of the event is the August Parade, where colorfully costumed troupes dance and gyrate down the Waterfront Road from Prospect Reef to the Festival Village Grounds. Imaginatively decorated floats carrying bands and more costumed troupes, baton twirling majorettes and lots of feathered Indians will join in the fun.
Other events include boat racing, and Rise and Shine Parades, also known as J’Ouvert. Culminating the festivities, is the Carrot Bay Fiesta, a celebration of the traditions of the past. Among activities will be a fishing competition, donkey racing, tug of war, and egg and spoon races.
In all, the August Emancipation Festival is a cultural event that all can enjoy!
https://www.facebook.com/VirginIslandsFestival/?locale=en_GB
Summer Sizzle is Back!
Summer Sizzle is back. For 15 years, this glamorous event has brought high fashion, celebrities and great entertainment to the BVI. To be held from July 23rd to the 28th it is a boon to summer living.
Fashion producer and the event’s creator, Terry Donovan, describes Summer Sizzle as “A high style fusion of fashion, culture and island magic. This milestone edition is set to be the must-attend summer escape for global tastemakers, creatives, jetsetters and lovers of luxe tropical living.”
For Terry, pairing a high-powered New York-style fashion event with the tropical beauty of the BVI seemed a natural combination. Terry, who was born and raised in the BVI and is now based in New York, has a strong background in fashion and event production. As a merchandising director, he has worked for top fashion brands, Calvin Klein, DKNY and Karl Lagerfeld.
The road to Summer Sizzle began in 1998 when Terry enlisted a New York friend, Agnes Commock, the fashion director for the influential fashion publication, Women’s Wear Daily (WWD) to be a judge at the Miss World BVI contest.
Over the years, Summer Sizzle BVI has welcomed fashion icons and celebrity guests including actress Taraji P. Henson, Nigel Barker, Eva Marcille, Tanika Ray and Claire Sulmers, and presented collections from designers like LaQuan Smith, Sergio Hudson, Kevan Hall, Cesar Galindo, Coral Castillo, and Yumi Katsura.
Terry Donovan is excited by the event’s 15th edition, stating, “This anniversary celebrates more than fashion—it honors the BVI, the artistry, and the vibrant community we’ve built. It’s a love letter to culture, beauty, and bold creative spirit.”
2025 Summer Sizzle highlights Include:
The Global Glamour Runway Show
The week’s marquee moment. An electrifying fashion show featuring world-renowned designers, breakthrough talents, and visionary artists—all on one unforgettable stage.
A Taste of the BVI – Welcome Dinner
Celebrate island flavor with cuisine, culture, and community at the stylish Loose Mongoose.
When Art Meets Fashion Gala: A White Masquerade
An immersive evening of couture and creativity at Long Bay Beach Resort—elegant, and extravagant.
Sizzle Saturdaze – Island Chic Market
A curated shopping event spotlighting Caribbean designers, artisans, and Black-owned brands.
Sailing + Beach Party on Jost Van Dyke
Close out the week in true Caribbean style—crystal-clear seas, white sand and champagne toasts.
Whether you’re a fashion lover, culture connoisseur, or island dreamer, Summer Sizzle BVI 2025 is the Caribbean’s can’t-miss experience of the year.
For more information and event schedule go to: www.summersizzlebvi.com
